Tips for Having a Safe and Happy Independence Day Weekend!

Now that we are all heading into a long holiday weekend for the 4^th of July, let’s be grateful and keep a few things in mind…

July 4, 2023 will be America’s 247^th  Independence Day, the day Americans celebrate our Declaration of Independence from Great Britain.

Here are some facts that are important to remember about America’s founding document and the day set aside for its commemoration.

July 4, 1776 is the day that we celebrate Independence Day even though it wasn’t the day the Continental Congress decided to declare independence (they did that on July 2, 1776), the day we started the American Revolution (that had happened back in April 1775), the date on which the Declaration was delivered to Great Britain (that didn’t happen until November 1776), or the date it was signed (that was August 2, 1776).

After the War of 1812, the Federalist party began to come apart and the new parties of the 1820s and 1830s all considered themselves inheritors of Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans. Printed copies of the Declaration began to circulate again, all with the date July 4, 1776, listed at the top. Celebrations of the Fourth of July became more common as the years went on and in 1870, almost a hundred years after the Declaration was written, Congress first declared July 4 to be a national holiday as part of a bill to officially recognize several holidays, including Christmas. Further legislation about national holidays, including July 4, was passed in 1938 and 1941.

The signed copy of the Declaration is the official, but not the original, document. The approved Declaration was printed on July 5th and a copy was attached to the “rough journal of the Continental Congress for July 4th.” These printed copies, bearing only the names of John Hancock, President, and Charles Thomson, secretary, were distributed to state assemblies, conventions, committees of safety, and commanding officers of the Continental troops. On July 19th, Congress ordered that the Declaration be engrossed on parchment with a new title, “the unanimous declaration of the thirteen united states of America,” and “that the same, when engrossed, be signed by every member of Congress.” Engrossing is the process of copying an official document in a large hand.

John Hancock, the President of the Continental Congress at the time, was the first and only person to sign the Declaration on July 4, 1776 (he signed it in the presence of just one man, Charles Thomson, the secretary of Congress). According to legend, the founding father signed his name bigger than everyone else’s because he wanted to make sure “fat old King George” could read it without his spectacles. But the truth is that Hancock had a large blank space and didn’t realize the other men would write their names smaller. Today, the term “John Hancock” has become synonymous with a person’s signature.

The 56 signers of the Declaration did not sign on July 4, 1776, nor were they in the same room at the same time on the original Independence Day. The official signing event took place on August 2, 1776 when 50 men signed the document. Several months passed before all 56 signatures were in place. The last man to sign, Thomas McKean, did so in January of 1777, seven months after the document was approved by Congress. Robert R. Livingston, one of the five original drafters, never signed it at all since he believed it was too soon to declare independence.

The Declaration of Independence was designed for multiple audiences: the King, the colonists, and the world. It was also designed to multitask. Its goals were to rally the troops, win foreign allies, and to announce the creation of a new country. The introductory sentence states the Declaration’s main purpose, to explain the colonists’ right to revolution. In other words, “to declare the causes which impel them to the separation.” Congress had to prove the legitimacy of its cause. It had just defied the most powerful nation on Earth. It needed to motivate foreign allies to join the fight.

Preamble – These are the lines contemporary Americans know best: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness.” These stirring words were designed to convince Americans to put their lives on the line for the cause. Separation from the mother country threatened their sense of security, economic stability, and identity. The preamble sought to inspire and unite them through the vision of a better life.

List of Grievances – The list of 27 complaints against King George III constitute the proof of the right to rebellion. Congress cast “the causes which impel them to separation” in universal terms for an international audience. Join our fight, reads the subtext, and you join humankind’s fight against tyranny.

Resolution of Independence – The most important and dramatic statement comes near the end: “That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States.” It declares a complete break with Britain and its King and claims the powers of an independent country.

Read a Transcript: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript

Fire Danger and Fireworks

Tip of The Week For July 4, 2023- Fireworks Safety

The Fourth of July is just a few days away which means fireworks and celebration. While this year Oregon and some of our local communities haven’t been encountering very dry conditions, it is still possible that the weather during these months will be a bit dryer in some areas. This increases the potential for fire hazard. Fireworks are recognized as a celebratory activity by many, however, there are some very important safety measures to consider while using and displaying them. Here are some important tips to remember to ensure a safe holiday celebration. 

It is extremely important to know the difference between a legal consumer firework and a dangerous explosive device. Illegal items in Oregon include any firework that flies into the air, explodes or behaves in an uncontrolled or unpredicted manner. Some examples include: Firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, bottle rockets, or any other article of similar construction or any article containing any explosive or inflammable compound. 

Any tablets or other device containing any explosive substances or inflammable compound are also not legal in Oregon without a permit. Items such as M-80s, M-100s and blockbusters are not fireworks, they are federally banned explosives. They can cause serious injury or even death. Stay away from anything that isn’t clearly labeled with the name of the item, the manufacturer’s name and instructions for proper use.

Pets are more sensitive to loud noises and flashing lights and strong smells. It is best to leave your pest safely indoors, preferably with a radio or TV turned on to soften jarring noises. If you cannot leave your pet indoors, keep them leashed and under your direct control at all times. Safeguard your pet with a collar and ID tag and possibly a microchip update with your current contact information. 

All fireworks are prohibited in all state parks and on ocean beaches.

Possession of illegal fireworks in Oregon is a Class B Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and/or six months in jail. If you are aware of anyone selling such devices, contact your local law enforcement agency.

Fireworks are not toys. NEVER give fireworks to young children. Close adult supervision of all fireworks activities is mandatory. Even sparklers can be unsafe if used improperly. 

Read and follow all warnings and instructions on fireworks. Be sure that people maintain a safe distance from where fireworks are ignited. Never light and throw any fireworks. Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from buildings, dry leaves, and flammable materials. Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned. Keep a bucket of water handy in case of a malfunction and fire dangers due to current drought conditions. Please be mindful. 

Oregon’s State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Mariana Ruiz-Temple and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Chief of Fire Protection Doug Grafe ask people to be mindful of these conditions when celebrating the holiday. Before lighting off fireworks, they encourage people to know when and where it is allowed.

This year, some Oregon cities and counties put restrictions in place on the use of fireworks through the weekend. If using legal fireworks in communities where they’re allowed, always have a bucket of water on hand to drown spent or used fireworks, have a charged hose nearby, and never light fireworks near dry grass or areas that could catch fire easily.

“Please check with your local municipality, fire service agency, or county on the local laws where you will celebrate the holiday,” Ruiz-Temple said. “Safety of those in Oregon is not only a priority for those who live, work and visit, but for our firefighters as well. We ask that you follow all restrictions and help us in being safe and responsible this holiday weekend.”

In Oregon, it’s illegal to possess, use, or sell fireworks that fly into the air, explode, or travel more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground without a permit. The OSFM can issue permits. Bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers are illegal without a permit. Officials may seize illegal fireworks and charge offenders with a class B misdemeanor with a fine of $2,500 per firework. A person misusing or causing damage using fireworks can be required to pay firefighting costs and for other damage. Parents are liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.

During fire season it is illegal to use fireworks on ODF-protected lands. While enjoying the forests or outdoors here are ways you can help prevent fires:

• Skip the campfire – it’s already hot enough
• Use a camp stove for cooking
• Don’t use fireworks – enjoy a community’s firework display instead
• Stay on the roads – heat from vehicles can easily start grass on fire
• Don’t smoke – if you do, put the butts out and dispose of them properly
• Don’t use anything with open flame or that could cause sparks
• Check trailer chains to ensure they don’t drag along the road

Here are some resources to help keep Oregon’s forests and communities safer this 4th of July. ODF’s current public fire restrictions map and OSFM Fireworks FAQ — Oregon Dept. of Forestry —- https://www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/sfm/Pages/Fireworks.aspx

Stay Safe and Healthy During Fourth of July Weekend

10 ways to prevent injury and illness during holiday

As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, public health officials are reminding Oregonians about a few simple steps they can take to stay safe and healthy.

“The Fourth of July holiday is a great time to celebrate with family and friends. At the same time, it’s important to stay safe,” said Richard Leman, Public Health Physician at OHA. “With the recent hot weather, fires are a real risk. If your community allows use of fireworks this year, take care how you use them.”

“If you’re going to the beach or spending time at a river or lake, the water’s often still pretty cold this time of year and can cause problems for even the strongest swimmer. If you go in the water, stay where it’s shallow, wear a life jacket when boating, and keep a close eye on kids when they’re around the water.”

Food safety is another thing to keep in mind. Warmer weather makes it easier for food to spoil. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year roughly 1 in 6 Americans get sick from foodborne diseases. Cooking meats to a proper internal temperature and keeping cold foods cool helps reduce foodborne bacteria from growing.

Here are 10 ways to prevent injury and illness this holiday weekend:

• Avoid alcohol when swimming or boating.
• Always wear life jackets for swimming and boating.
• Don’t swim alone or in bad weather and stay where it’s shallow.
• Supervise children at all times in and near the water.
• Prevent sunburns, use plenty of sunscreen.
• Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
• Keep meat and poultry refrigerated until ready to use.
• Don’t leave food out for more than two to three hours.
• To prevent foodborne illness, don’t use the same platter and utensils for raw and cooked meat and poultry.
• Cook meats to minimum internal temperature to destroy harmful bacteria; 160°F for ground beef, pork and lamb; 165°F for poultry.

Oregon offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Whether it’s swimming, surfing, fishing, or some other outdoor play, stay aware of any current health alerts and advisories.

For more information on water recreation, please visit http://public.health.oregon.gov/HealthyEnvironments/Recreation/Pages/index.aspx

For more information on food safety, visit http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/CommunicableDisease/Pages/index.aspx

Pets and 4th of July

Fireworks, picnics and other Fourth of July traditions can be great fun for people; but all of the festivities can be frightening and even dangerous for animals.

There are more lost Pets over the 4th of July than any other time of the year!

Noisy fireworks and other celebrations can startle animals and cause them to run away; holiday foods can be unhealthy; summer heat and travel can be dangerous; and potentially dangerous debris can end up lying on the ground where pets can eat or play with it.

• Leave your pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades, and other gatherings. Loud fireworks, unfamiliar places, and crowds can all be very frightening to pets, and there’s a great risk of pets becoming spooked and running away.
• Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks.
• Keep horses and livestock in safely fenced areas and as far from the excitement and noise as possible.
• If you’re hosting guests, ask them to help keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t escape. Placing notes on exit doors and gates can help both you and your guests remain vigilant.
• Keep your pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks.

Whether or not you’re planning your own Independence Day celebration, it’s important to take precautions to keep your pets safe both during and after Fourth of July festivities.

Stay safe from summer hazards as you head out for the Fourth of July

OHA offers tips on keeping summer from being a bummer during activities

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is offering tips on staying safe and healthy as people head out for family gatherings, camping trips and other outdoor activities during the Fourth of July holiday.

“Here in Oregon, summer doesn’t really kick off until Independence Day, when we finally start seeing those regular stretches of sunny weather,” said Dean Sidelinger, MD, MSEd, health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA. “But with those long, hot days comes health hazards people should be aware of, and take steps to protect themselves.”

When summertime arrives, many people in Oregon head to lakes, rivers and beaches to cool off and recreate. There can be health risks related to summer fun such as harmful algal blooms at lakes, unpredictably cold water at rivers that can lead to hypothermia, and fecal bacteria at beaches. People camping and enjoying other outdoor activities can often encounter mosquitoes, ticks, bats and other wildlife that can carry diseases, and picnics with unrefrigerated food can be sources of foodborne illnesses.

There also are climate change-related summer risks, such as extreme heat and smoke from wildfires. And summertime activities may put some people at risk for excessive alcohol use or misuse of prescription pain killers or illicit opioids.

“Summer doesn’t have to be a bummer,” Sidelinger said. “All that’s required is simple preparation and a little bit of common sense.”

Here are links to tips for staying safe from summer’s common health risks:

• Drowning prevention: Oregon’s lakes, river and beaches – not to mention backyard and community swimming pools – are great places to cool off and enjoy the water when the weather turns warm, but doing so means being mindful of ways to stay safe and prevent drownings and other injuries.
  • Avoid alcohol when swimming or boating.
  • Enter water feet first to reduce your risk of head and spinal injury, and paralysis.
  • Young and weaker swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device (PFD) or life jacket for swimming and boating; never use swimming aids such as water wings, noodles or other water toys in place of a life jacket.
  • Swim with someone else and avoid swimming in bad weather.
  • Supervise children at all times in and near the water.
  • Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
  • Take the time to learn CPR at your local hospital, fire department or recreation department.
  • Visit Safe Kids Worldwide’s swimming safety website.
• Mosquitoes: West Nile virus (WNV) is carried by mosquitoes and can infect humans, horses, and birds. Humans can only get the virus from the bite of an infected mosquito; the disease does not spread from other animals to humans, or from person to person. Most infections are mild, with fever and flu-like symptoms, but severe infections may cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and rarely, death.
  • Eliminate sources of standing water that are a breeding ground for mosquitoes, including watering troughs, bird baths, ornamental ponds, buckets, wading and swimming pools not in use, and old tires.
  • Protect yourself by using mosquito repellants containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or Picardin, and follow the directions on the container.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in mosquito-infested areas.
  • Make sure screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.
  • Visit OHA’s West Nile Virus Prevention and Education website.
• Ticks: Oregon is home to at least three species of ticks. East of the Cascades, the most common is the Rocky Mountain wood tick, which transmits Colorado tick fever, as well as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. West of the Cascades, there’s the brown dog tick, which also spreads Rocky Mountain spotted fever; and the blacklegged tick or deer tick, which carries Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, an emerging infection called Borrelia miyamotoi, and several other diseases.
  • Avoid tick-prone areas such as brushy or wooded areas with high grass and leaf litter during the peak time of year—late March to mid-October.
  • Wear tick repellent that contains permethrin or DEET. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that permethrin-treated clothing can prevent tick bites by disrupting the insect’s normal movement.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and closed-toed shoes, and tuck pant legs into the tops of socks or boots.
  • Wear light-colored clothes to make it easier to spot ticks.
  • Frequently check your clothing, gear and pets for ticks, and remove them promptly.
  • After you get home, check your body for ticks, including under the arms, in and around the ears, inside your belly button, on the backs of your knees, in and around your head, between your legs and around the waist.
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Ticks website.
• Cyanobacteria (harmful algal) blooms in lakes, reservoirs and rivers: Symptoms of exposure to cyanotoxins include diarrhea, cramps, vomiting, numbness, dizziness and fainting. Although cyanotoxins are not absorbed through the skin, people with sensitive skin can develop a red, raised rash when wading, playing, or swimming in or around a bloom.
  • Stay out of water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like pea-green or blue-green paint, or where brownish-red mats are present, and keep pets away, too.
  • Avoid high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the lake where blooms are, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water.
  • If you are unsure, follow OHA’s guidance of “When in doubt, stay out.”
  • Toxins are not absorbed through the skin, but those with skin sensitivities may experience a puffy red rash after exposure to water where there is a bloom.
  • Water activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, and bird watching can still be enjoyed when an algal bloom advisory is in effect. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray that can lead to a risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.
  • Visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.
• Beach bacteria: Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children, elderly and those with a compromised immune system should use extra caution as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria.
  • When an OHA beach advisory is in effect, the beach is still open to the public. The advisory is to inform visitors to avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water.
  • Avoid any activities during which you might swallow water, such as swimming, surfing, diving and kayaking.
  • Stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Levels of fecal bacteria tend to be higher in these types of water sources.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly before eating if playing in or around water that has above normal bacteria levels.
  • Keep pets out of the water during an advisory to prevent them from drinking the water.
  • Avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm even if there is no advisory in effect.
  • Visit OHA’s Monitoring Beach Water Quality website.
• Rabies: Bats and other small animals, such as foxes, play a valuable role in nature, but they can carry rabies. This viral disease of mammals attacks an infected animal’s nervous system. Typically, other animals acquire rabies by eating or coming in contact with a rabid bat.
  • Stay away from bats and do not handle them.
  • If you find a sick bat or other sick wildlife, contact your local Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) office. Take children and pets indoors and do not handle the bat or animal without protection.
  • Use a disposable container with a lid to scoop a dead animal into the containers and dispose of it in the trash.
  • If a bat has had contact with a human or an animal, call your health department or animal services for guidance.
  • Vaccinate pets (dogs and cats) against rabies.
  • Watch wildlife from a distance. Don’t approach or attempt to handle wild animals.
  • Do not feed wild animals.
  • Keep garbage in secure containers and away from wildlife.
  • Feed pets indoors.
  • Seal openings in attics, basements, porches, sheds, barns and screen chimneys that might provide access to bats and other wildlife.
  • Visit OHA’s Bats and Rabies website.
• Foodborne illnesses: Warmer weather makes it easier for food to spoil. Cooking meats to a proper internal temperature, and keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cool helps reduce foodborne bacteria from growing.
  • Be sure to wash your hands before and after cooking, and after handling fish and meats.
  • Keep meat and poultry refrigerated until ready to use.
  • Don’t leave food out for more than two to three hours.
  • To prevent foodborne illness, don’t use the same platter and utensils for raw and cooked meat and poultry.
  • Cook meats to minimum internal temperature to destroy harmful bacteria; 145 °F for beef, pork, veal and lamb (roast, steak and chops); 160 °F for ground meats; 165 °F for poultry.
  • Visit OHA’s Food Safety for the Public website.
• Extreme heat: Excessive heat conditions can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses that can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These high temperatures can seriously affect the health of the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the homeless or poor, and people with a chronic medical condition.
  • Stay cool
    • Stay in air-conditioned places when temperatures are high, if possible.
    • Limit outdoor exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest, and avoid direct sunlight. Try to schedule outdoor activities in the morning and evening.
    • While it is cool, open windows to allow fresh air to circulate, especially during morning and evening hours, and close shades on west-facing windows during the afternoon hours.
    • Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air to help reduce indoor temperatures.
    • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing to keep cool and protect your skin from the sun, and dress infants and children the same way.
    • Use cool compresses, misting, and cool showers and baths to lower your body temperature.
    • Avoid hot foods and heavy meals; they add heat to the body.
    • Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
    • Never leave infants or children in a parked car. Nor should pets be left in parked cars—they can suffer heat-related illness, too.
    • Avoid sunburns. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 when going outside.
    • Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day.
  • Stay hydrated
    • Make sure your family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water.
    • Regardless of your level of activity, drink plenty of fluids, even if you are not thirsty and especially when working outside.
    • Avoid alcohol or liquids containing large amounts of sugar.
  • Stay informed
    • Stay updated on the temperature and heat index when planning your activities so you can find ways to stay cool and hydrated. The heat index measures how hot it feels outside when factoring in humidity with the actual air temperature.
    • Learn how to prevent, recognize, and treat heat-related illnesses.
    • Visit OHA’s Extreme Heat website.
• Alcohol, opioid misuse: Substance use, including excessive alcohol use and opioid misuse, can be a problem as people gather for summer activities.
  • When using alcohol:
    • Don’t drink and drive a car or boat. Plan for alternative rides or designated drivers.
    • Set limits. Decide how many days a week you plan to drink and how many drinks you plan to have. For instance, you might decide to only drink on a Friday night or Saturday night and have one drink. Schedule alcohol-free days every week. Create a plan with this interactive screening tool.
    • Count your drinks. Use an app on your mobile device to help. Understanding how much alcohol counts as a “standard” drink may also help.
    • Manage your “triggers,” such as certain people, places or activities that tempt you to drink more than you planned. For example, instead of a happy hour event with co-workers, suggest catching up at lunch instead. You may also want to remove certain alcohol products from your home.
    • Find support. Ask for support from a friend, family member, health care provider, or someone else who will support your choice to drink less. Call 1-800-923-4357 for free confidential support.
  • If you or someone you know uses prescription or illicit opioids:
    • Don’t use alone and always have naloxone on hand. Naloxone is an easy-to-use, life-saving drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when administered in time.
    • Stagger your illicit drug use; don’t use all at once in case there is fentanyl in your drugs and people fall into overdose.
    • Unless a pharmacist directly hands you a prescription pill, assume that it is counterfeit and contains fentanyl.
    • If you are in treatment for substance use, ask your counselor for help getting naloxone. You might get naloxone at no cost from a local program.
    • If you want to have naloxone on hand for someone else, ask your pharmacist for a prescription.
    • If you are actively using opioids and involved with a syringe exchange or other harm-reduction services, you can get naloxone at no cost.
    • If you suspect someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately. Oregon’s Good Samaritan law will protect you against criminal charges.
  • Visit CDC’s Drink Less, Be Your Best website or see OHA’s Administering Naloxone During COVID-19 fact sheet. Also visit the Never Use Alone website

Drive Safe

Troopers of the Oregon State Police (OSP), Washington State Patrol (WSP), and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will be especially watchful for traffic violations that often lead to tragedy on our highways.  Speed & distracted driving top the list, along with driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol and failing to use safety belts and child safety seats. 

“Speeding continues to be one of the highest contributing factors to serious injury crashes and fatalities,” stated OSP Superintendent Terri Davie.  “Speeding tickets are easily the most common ticket issued; however, it isn’t the goal of law enforcement.  The goal of speed enforcement is to potentially save your life and the lives of the others.”

“Driving responsibly and at a reasonable speed is the best way to help ensure you and your passengers will arrive at your destination safely,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said.  “We know people are eager to get out and travel, but reckless driving will not get you there sooner – it will just create dangerous conditions for you and everyone else on the road.”

“Summer holidays should be a time of fun and family, not sorrow and tragedy,” Chief John R. Batiste of the WSP said.  “We ask everyone driving the I-5 corridor to slow down, pay attention, drive sober, and buckle up.  When it comes to safe highways, we are truly all in this together.”   

Five simple strategies for drivers to help make I-5 safer for everyone:

•            Slow down

•            Drive sober

•            Be patient

•            Put your phone down

•            Buckle up

Each state agency will use its best strategies to provide additional enforcement presence during this busy 4th of July weekend, including the use of existing grant funding and shifting resources already on the road over to the I-5 corridor. 

The Oregon State Police wants all drivers to get to their final destination safely.  We think that working together, we can. Oregon State Police

Please Don’t Drink and Drive

Did you know that this is the holiday with the highest accident statistics in the United States of America? That this is the most dangerous holiday to be on the road? The moment that you are looking at these statistics and reasons why this is such a dangerous holiday, then you might think twice to drink and drive this year on the 4^th of July.

Travel is expected to reach near pre-pandemic levels Fourth of July weekend, with 47.9 million travelers and 42 million Americans taking to the roads, according to American Automobile Association (AAA). This represents an increase of nearly 3.7% compared to last year, bringing travel numbers similar to what was seen in 2019.  

Even with national average gas prices going over the $5 mark, this isn’t stopping Americans from taking advantage and traveling. However, the sheer amount of car crashes that occur around July Fourth, makes it the deadliest holiday of the year. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimated that 462 people may be killed on the road in July Fourth car crashes last year.

The organization defines the one-day holiday period as starting at 6 p.m. on July 3 and ending at 11:59 p.m. on July 4. In addition, the NSC estimates that 52,700 more people may be seriously injured in July Fourth car crashes. Because of the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 recovery is having on social activities, the uncertainty of this year’s estimate is increased. 

Across the country, it’s estimated that more than 43.6 million people will drive somewhere to celebrate the Fourth of July in 2022. All across the nation, Americans pack up their cars and make trips to the beach, lake, or to family members’ houses with a pool. However, it is important to note that car travel has the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile.

The Fourth of July is America’s top beer-drinking holiday. During the holiday, beer sales top more than $1 billion each year when the holiday runs around. If beer isn’t your style, Americans spend another half-billion dollars on wine.

This excessive alcohol use was the cause of 41% of fatalities involving an alcohol-impaired driver, the highest among all the major holidays. 

When you are talking to everyone about their favorite holiday, then most of them will say that the 4^th of July is the one holiday that they are looking forward to. This is a time where partying, drinking, and fireworks are the norms. There aren’t many people that don’t drink or party during this holiday.

And, those that aren’t drinking are driving to see the firework display all over town. This is a time for family, friends, partying, and drinking. And, the scary part is that those people that were drinking are driving around in the early hours of the morning. Drunk.

And this year after being pinned down from the pandemic, and we have a long weekend for the holiday…people are ready to party. The sad thing is there are already fatal accidents being reported as people head out for the weekend.

Car accident statistics

Reports show that we are purchasing over 68 million cases of beer during the 4^th of July holidays.

And, this is just for the beer. There are many other alcohols that are available to purchase as well. Reports also state that more than 43 million Americans are traveling during this holiday weekend. Making the roads busier than any other time of the year. Just think how many of these travelers are intoxicated when they are driving.

During the last 10 years, it showed that Independence Day have the highest accident statistics. A total of 2 743 deaths are occurring annually in the USA on the 4^th of July. The second highest death rate is on the 3^rd of July with an annual death rate of 2 534. This is for accidents alone. This is why this is the deadliest holiday in the United States of America.

Reasons why there are so many road accidents and fatal accidents on this holiday:

Drunk driving –

This is the number one reason why there are so many road accidents and fatal accidents on Independence Day. The scary part is that this isn’t only those who were drinking and driving that is involved in a fatal accident. The innocent people are also involved in these accidents because they couldn’t avoid the accidents.

High traffic

Getting back home after the celebrations is also the reason for the high accident and death statistics. The high traffic causes people to get impatient and reckless. They just want to get back home, and they even might still have the effect of alcohol that is still in the bloodstream. They are getting irresponsible and causing a serious accident.

Independence Day

The weekend of partying, drinking and having fun. But, unfortunately, this is also the time where people are irresponsible and causing fatal accidents. Before you are considering to drive while under the influence, you should make sure that you are looking at these statistics and other information. This might just save your and your family’s lives.

Driving while impaired of alcohol or drugs is a serious risk. Apart from being irresponsible on the road, impaired driving carries serious insurance consequences. If your insurer discovers you’ve been convicted of a DUI, your car insurance rates could increase or your policy may be cancelled or non-renewed.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been tracking car wreck statistics for a quarter of a century. Fourth of July almost always tops the list. Statistics gathered over the past Twenty five years reveal that, on average, nearly 40 percent of all deadly traffic crashes on July 4 are related to alcohol – although that percentage varies from year to year. Other holidays on the list include Labor Day, New Year’s, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Americans love there holidays and July 4th is no exception. We are proud of who we are and celebrate accordingly. July fourth has been one of the deadliest days you could be on the road according to the NHTSA.

We Hope You Will Drive Safe and Be Safe and Have A Safe and Happy Independence Day Weekend!

We’ll be enjoying the long holiday weekend too and will be back in the office on Wednesday 7/5

Happy 4th of July!