Wishing You a Happy (And Safe) 4th of July!

CD Law wishes you a fun-filled and safe 4th of July! While you’re out enjoying the sunshine and festivities, don’t forget to stay alert as accidents tend to rise over the holiday weekend. A little extra awareness can go a long way in keeping you and your loved ones safe.

Here are some friendly reminders to help you enjoy the holiday without a trip to the Emergency Room.

Travel Safely

The 4th of July is one of the busiest travel holidays, especially with the day falling on a Friday this year. According to AAA, about 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel over the holiday, with the majority of them hitting the road. More cars means more congestion… and unfortunately, more accidents.

Travel Tips to Keep You Safe:

• Give yourself extra time to reach your destination. AAA recommends hitting the road early in the morning to avoid the worst traffic.

• Avoid distractions. No texting or scrolling behind the wheel. Remember that holding your phone, even just for your GPS, is illegal in California!

• Driving under the influence is ILLEGAL (designate a driver or use a rideshare if needed).

• Watch out for pedestrians, especially in residential and beach areas.

• Stay alert. Fatigue and frustration are common on long holiday drives. Pickup that drivethru coffee if needed!

Fireworks Safety

Fireworks are at the center of many 4th of July celebrations, but they’re also a top cause of injuries that weekend. In fact, over 14,500 people were treated in emergency rooms for firework-related injuries in 2024, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Most of these injuries involved peoples’ hands, fingers, ears, heads and faces.

Firework Safety Tips:

• Only purchase fireworks that are legal in your area.

• Always have a bucket of water or hose nearby.

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Sparklers burn at nearly 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, that’s hot enough to melt metal! They may be small, but they are mighty.

• Don’t try to re-light fireworks that didn’t ignite.

• Light fireworks one at a time, and back away quickly.

• Never use fireworks if you are under the influence.

We recommend playing it safe and leaving fireworks to the professionals. Here is a list of public firework shows taking place in Los Angeles County.

Grilling Safety

Firing up the grill for some hamburgers and hot dogs is practically a 4th of July tradition, but it comes with its own set of hazards. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), grilling accidents cause an average of 21,682 ER visits each year, and July sees the most of these injuries.

Tips for Grilling Safely:

• Keep your grill away from buildings and deck railings.

• Never leave the grill unattended while it’s on.

• Clean the grill regularly to avoid grease fires.

• Check gas lines for leaks before firing up the grill.

• Keep kids and pets at a safe distance.

Water Safety

Just as traffic on the road increases this weekend, traffic on the water will increase as well, heightening risks on those beach and boating trips. It’s always so important to stay vigilant and safe around any body of water.

Boating & Water Safety Tips:

• Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. 87% of drowning victims due to a boat accident were not wearing a life jacket.

• Never operate a boat while under the influence. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

• Designate a “water watcher” when children are swimming. Drowning is the leading cause of death in children aged 1-4.

• Check weather and water conditions before heading out.

• Know the local laws and boating rules when visiting from out of town.

We’re Here If You Need Us

Miguel Custodio of CD Law says, “We hope you have a safe, fun, and unforgettable holiday weekend! But, if an accident happens and you or someone you love gets hurt, know that we’re just one call away to help you navigate the legal side and fight for the justice you deserve.”

Stay safe and have fun!