DUI fatalities at their highest on the Fourth of July

Alcohol intoxication is a contributing factor to many car accidents in Florida and elsewhere in the US. Fatal DUI crashes are especially apt to occur during holidays, none more so than the Fourth of July. Using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, researchers at ValuePenguin found that the DUI fatality rate for July 4th is 42.4 per day. Between 2010 and 2017, 1,192 people died in DUI crashes during this holiday.

The second deadliest holiday was Memorial Day with 1,105 fatalities and a fatality rate of 39.5. This was followed by Labor Day (38.1), New Year’s (31.7), Thanksgiving (27.9) and Christmas (27.7). Not only is the Fourth of July more dangerous compared to other holidays, but it also sees more fatalities when compared to the average day in summer. For example, the Fourth of July weekend in 2017 resulted in 184 DUI-related deaths. An equivalent period of four to five summer days results in an average of 117 deaths.

The DUI fatality rate is even higher when the Fourth of July occurs on a Wednesday. The rate is 52 deaths per day, whereas Saturday, which is relatively the safest day the holiday can fall on, has a rate of 36.3. Drivers are encouraged to avoid taking long road trips during the Fourth of July holiday.

In the event that a car accident does occur, victims who believe they were not at fault may file a claim. There are limitations as to who can file, of course, because Florida is a no-fault state and requires that an individual file with his or her insurance company first. Those who have a valid case may, with the proper legal assistance, strive for a settlement out of court. A lawyer may hire investigators to prove that the other driver was drunk and, thus, responsible for the plaintiff’s injuries.