Each year, we Americans celebrate the independence of our great nation on the Fourth of July with great food, pool parties, fireworks, parades, and a whole bunch of red, white, and blue. Unfortunately, this fun summer holiday is associated with many dangers. Due to the increased risk of injury, our Sacramento personal injury lawyer wants to make sure you are aware of some of the common hazards and understand how to avoid them.
The following are several tips to help you have an injury-free Fourth of July:
- Fireworks safety – While fireworks are a tradition on Independence Day, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says two-thirds of all fireworks accidents occur during the month of July each year. If you plan on using fireworks, make sure you carefully read and follow all instructions. Keep a hose or a bucket of water nearby in the event of an accident or burn. Do not let young children play with fireworks. Do not attempt to handle or re-light fireworks that fail to fully ignite.
- Grilling safety – What’s Fourth of July without having a barbeque? If you plan on grilling this weekend, never leave a lit grill unattended and keep children, pets, and any flammable objects away. Do not use your grill indoors or in an enclosed area. Never add lighter fluid to already lit charcoal.
- Water safety – For many, the holiday weekend provides time for pool parties and beach trips. Make sure all children are well-supervised and that they know how to swim. Do not swim or enter the pool alone and always swim with a friend. Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear life vests. Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming.
- Driving safety – Hundreds of people suffer injury every year during the holiday due to drunk driving. If you plan on drinking alcohol this Fourth of July, avoid getting behind the wheel. Instead, find an alternative source of transportation (e.g. a designated driver, an Uber driver, or public transportation) or make plans to spend the night with friends or family.
Our experienced legal team at Eliot Reiner, APLC would like to wish everyone a happy Fourth of July! Make sure you have fun and stay safe!
If you have been injured due to negligence in Sacramento, CA, request a free consultation today.