July 4th weekend is almost here, and it’s a great opportunity to take a few days off from the daily grind of life and enjoy some quality time with family and friends. Many people will stay local and enjoy fireworks, BBQs and other July 4th celebrations in the Denver and Boulder area. But a long weekend also means that many Front Rangers will head to the mountains for camping, hiking, biking, and rafting, adding to the many people across the country taking road trips this weekend.
According to AAA, nearly 42 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles away from their home this weekend, and approximately 85% of those individuals will be traveling by car. With so many amazing mountain destinations within 2-4 hours of the Front Range, there will be a tremendous amount of traffic along I-70, I-25, and US 285. With increased traffic comes an increased risk of a car accident.
To make matters worse, those who stay in town will most likely take part in the most common July 4th activity – drinking. This potentially increases the number of intoxicated drivers on the road. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ranks July 4th among the top 10 most dangerous days of the year to drive for precisely this reason.
Independence Day accident statistics are alarming. According to the IIHS:
- July 4th had the largest number of single day car accident fatalities from 2000-2013
- July 4th is the second deadliest day of the year for drunk drivers
- 42% of car accidents occurring on July 4th involve at least 1 drunk driver
While it’s always important to drive safely and carefully along congested mountain roads, it’s even more crucial that you take safety precautions if you’re staying in town this weekend. To reduce your risk of being involved in a drunk driving car accident, follow these tips:
- Maintain a safe distance from any vehicle that exhibits the erratic driving behavior of a drunk driver
- Notify the police if you see a vehicle that appears to be operated by a drunk driver
- If you’re attending a local July 4th celebration, make sure you have a designated driver
- If you’re hosting a July 4th celebration, take the proper steps to prevent guests from driving home drunk – either take their keys and call them a taxi or let them spend the night
By following these important steps, you can help minimize the risks of drunk driving in the Denver and Boulder area and ensure your loved ones have a safe and fun weekend.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, please contact the Tenge Law Firm using the form at the top of the page or call (303) 502-5587 today to schedule your free consultation. Todd Tenge serves clients in Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins, Colorado.