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Will drunk driving increase this July 4th?

June 10, 2020

According to crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the month of July has the highest number of fatal crashes caused by drunk drivers. In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has found that the 4th of July is the most dangerous day of the year to drive, largely due to alcohol impairment.

There is no safe way to drink and drive

We can expect that law enforcement will be out looking for drunk drivers, but they can’t be everywhere all the time. That’s why it’s important to be vigilant when traveling during 4th of July or any holiday period.

Drunk drivers often choose to get behind the wheel for two reasons:

  • They don’t think they’ll get caught
  • They still think they can drive safely while under the influence

Any level of impairment can significantly increase the risk of a crash. Every day, all over Chicago, crashes occur even when alcohol isn’t a factor. With that said, there is no safe way to drink and drive.

According to the NHTSA, more than 10,000 crash fatalities involving alcohol occur yearly in the United States. Impairment can start at a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level as low as 0.02 percent as some loss of judgment and physical coordination occurs. At a BAC of 0.05 percent, impairment starts to become more profound. While it’s not necessarily illegal to drive with a low BAC level, it can still significantly contribute to the likelihood of a crash.

Once someone reaches a BAC of 0.08 percent, it becomes illegal to drive. This is when muscle coordination, judgment, reaction time, concentration, and memory becomes profoundly impaired.

Safety tips when traveling this 4th of July

The car accident attorneys at Coplan + Crane urge everyone to stay safe this 4th of July. Here are some tips on how you can do so:

  • Be vigilant of noticeably impaired drivers, speeders, or aggressive drivers
  • Avoid getting in the car with someone who is impaired
  • Intervene if a friend or family member plans on driving drunk
  • If you plan on drinking, plan ahead and don’t drive

Should you or a loved one be involved in a crash this 4th of July, know your rights. Our experienced attorneys can investigate your crash, build a strong legal claim, and help you get the compensation you need to pay for the damages.

To learn more, contact us online or call us at 800-394-6002 to schedule your free case evaluation.