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JULY FOURTH HOLIDAY TRAVEL FORECAST


Record gas prices seem to be having very little effect on summer travel. AAA now anticipates that nearly 48 million people will take to the road for the July Fourth holiday weekend, an increase of 3.7 percent over 2021 and the largest number of people traveling for the Fourth since 2019.

The Fourth of July holiday period sees an increase in serious and fatal car accidents. Much of this has to do with intoxicated driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 2016 and 2020, 41 percent of the drivers killed over the Fourth of July holiday period were intoxicated. The NHTSA predicts that this upcoming 4th of July may be the deadliest holiday of the year where drunk driving is concerned.

SOBRIETY ISN’T ENOUGH

If you plan on driving this July Fourth holiday weekend, stay sober. If you drink – even one drink – use alternative methods to get home: a friend, a rideshare service, public transit, your feet, anything that doesn’t put you behind the wheel. If you are not planning to drink alcohol, consider offering yourself up as a ride to those who do. This can help save the lives of your friends and family as well.

In addition to staying sober, the best ways to avoid causing an accident this Fourth of July include:

  • Avoiding all forms of distraction
  • Following the flow of traffic
  • Obeying traffic signs and signals
  • Being thoughtful and courteous

When you drive in heavy holiday traffic, be sure to leave a gap of about two car lengths between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. Use turn signals, avoid aggressive maneuvering, and do your best to remain calm. Paying attention and remaining thoughtful can help prevent you from causing an accident. They may also help you avoid being involved in an accident caused by someone else.

We Are Here to Help

If you are injured or a loved one is killed while driving this Fourth of July holiday weekend, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your damages. Please call Lourie, Chance, Forlines, Carter & King at 404-760-7400 to schedule a free consultation and learn more.