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Home / Litigation / Don’t Let Alcohol Ruin Your July 4th Celebration

Don’t Let Alcohol Ruin Your July 4th Celebration

Stephanie Thompson, Estate Planning Attorney of Krueger Hernandez & Thompson SC · Jul 1, 2011 ·

 Half of all July 4th road fatalities involve alcohol. In 2009, 10,839 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes. This accounts for 32% of all U.S. road fatalities. This means that, on average, there is a person killed in a car accident because of alcohol every 48 minutes.  
 
4th of July is the official kickoff to summer barbeques, picnics, boating, fireworks, parades and festivals. We spend time with family and friends celebrating America’s birthday. You do not have to look far to find a cold, adult beverage in the hand of many people celebrating the 4th of July. Although we should all enjoy this great American tradition, we have to remember that July 4th is also one of our deadliest holidays, primarily due to drunk drivers. 
 
In 2009, over 400 people died in vehicle crashes on July 4th and 50% of those deaths involved drunk drivers. Although this is a sobering statistic there are ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from drunk drivers.

 Plan ahead. If you know you are going to a party and you will be drinking make sure you have a designated driver. If that is impossible then call a cab or plan to stay over at the party or within walking distance. The average cab ride is about $15 and the average hotel room could be well under $100. Statistically, across the country, OWI’s, depending upon which one, can be as much as $10,000. Financially, it makes no sense to drink and drive.

 Be on the lookout. The rate of alcohol-related fatalities is four times higher at night and peaks between midnight and 3 a.m. If you see a drunk driver weaving across lanes, erratically changing speeds, failing to respond or responding slowly to traffic signals or following too close take note of the vehicle make and model and even license plate number if you can and pull over as soon as safely possible. Call 911 and give the dispatcher the information. Although your call may result in an OWI ticket, it may also result in saving a life.

Try a party with sober options. Offer your guests alternatives to alcohol-centered activities. Play party games, offer plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages and don’t push drinks on people. Your guests can and will have a good time with or without alcohol. Remember, in Wisconsin and in many other states, providing alcohol to a certain of your guests, depending upon the age, can open you up to civil liability for injuries caused by your drunken guests.

These rules don’t just apply to July 4th celebrations.  They can be followed at any social event throughout the year.  Remember, common sense and advanced planning can avoid problems for you and your loved ones.  Be safe this July 4th. 

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Stephanie Thompson, Estate Planning Attorney of Krueger Hernandez & Thompson SC
Stephanie Thompson, Estate Planning Attorney of Krueger Hernandez & Thompson SC
As the owner of Krueger Hernandez & Thompson SC, it is Stephanie’s mission to address each client’s goals for their estate plan. By identifying their wishes and concerns she can educate, guide, and counsel on the different tools and options that will effectively and efficiently accomplish those goals.
Stephanie Thompson, Estate Planning Attorney of Krueger Hernandez & Thompson SC
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