The 4th of July is a cherished American tradition — a time for fireworks, family barbecues, lake days, and celebrating our nation’s freedom. But while it’s a day filled with fun and festivity, it’s also one of the most dangerous holidays of the year.
At Fears Law, our personal injury attorneys want your Independence Day to be remembered for all the right reasons. We’ve put together a list of essential 4th of July safety tips to help protect you, your family, and your community.
Fireworks Safety: More Dangerous Than They Look
Fireworks are a classic part of Independence Day celebrations — but they’re also responsible for over 9,000 emergency room visits each year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Even sparklers, which many consider harmless, burn at nearly 2,000°F and account for thousands of injuries, especially among children.
- Fireworks Safety Tips:
- Only use fireworks bought from licensed retailers.
- Follow all instructions and never try to relight a “dud.”
- Keep a water source or fire extinguisher nearby.
- Never allow children to handle or light fireworks.
- Maintain a safe distance after lighting them.
- Only use fireworks in areas where they are legally permitted and follow all local laws and ordinances.
Did You Know? In 2023, 73% of all fireworks-related injuries happened in the 30-day period around July 4th. If you suffer an injury from a defective firework or someone else’s negligence, our Personal Injury Attorneys at Fears Law are here to help.
Drunk Driving Accidents: A Sobering Reality
In the U.S., the 4th of July consistently ranks among of the deadliest days of the year for drunk driving accidents. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that between 2019 and 2023, nearly 40% of all motor vehicle fatalities around this holiday involved alcohol.
Safe Driving Tips:
- Designate a sober driver before any celebrations begin.
- Use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft.
- Host responsibly — stop serving alcohol well before guests head home.
- If you’re staying late, consider staying overnight instead of driving.
If a drunk driver injures you or someone you love, Fears Law’s personal injury team will fight to hold them accountable.
Heat Safety: Don’t Let the Texas Sun Ruin Your Day
The summer heat in Texas can be intense — and potentially life-threatening. Heatstroke, sunburn, and dehydration are serious risks during outdoor gatherings.
Heat Safety Tips:
- Drink water throughout the day — especially if consuming alcohol.
- Seek shade and take regular breaks from the sun.
- Wear light-colored, breathable clothing and apply sunscreen regularly.
Important Note: Each year, hundreds of people die from heat-related illnesses — children and seniors are especially vulnerable. If an event fails to provide proper shade, water, or medical care, the organizer could be held liable.
Water Safety: Dive In, But Stay Alert
Whether you’re at the lake, beach, or backyard pool, water safety is paramount. Drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death for young children. In adults, alcohol is involved in nearly 70% of water-related deaths.
Water Safety Tips:
- Never leave children unsupervised near water.
- Use life jackets for kids and inexperienced swimmers and keep life-saving equipment within easy reach.
- Never swim or operate a boat while under the influence.
- Secure residential pools with fences and gates.
If a drowning or injury occurs due to someone’s negligence, our experienced personal injury lawyers can help determine if legal action is warranted.
Boating Safety: Stay Smart on the Water
Boating is a favorite 4th of July activity across lakes and rivers — but it’s also a major source of holiday weekend injuries and fatalities. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that alcohol is the leading cause of fatal boating accidents, and the 4th of July weekend is among the most dangerous times on the water.
Boating Safety Tips:
- Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Ensure all passengers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets — even strong swimmers.
- Check the weather before departure and avoid risky conditions.
- Don’t overload the vessel; follow capacity guidelines.
- Have proper lighting and safety gear onboard, including a throwable floatation device, whistle, and fire extinguisher.
If you or someone you love is injured in a boating accident due to another party’s negligence, Fears Law is here to help you hold them accountable.
Stay Aware: General 4th of July Safety Tips
Beyond specific hazards, general vigilance is key to a safe holiday:
- Be cautious in crowded spaces where slips, falls, or altercations can occur.
- Watch for reckless driving, especially in parking lots and event areas.
- Obey posted safety guidelines at public events, parades, and fireworks displays.
When to Call Fears Law
If your 4th of July celebration takes a turn because of someone else’s careless or negligent behavior, you don’t have to handle the aftermath alone.
Whether you’ve been hurt in a firework accident, car crash, boating incident, or public event injury, our skilled personal injury attorneys at Fears Law are ready to help. We’ll guide you through the legal process and fight to get the compensation you deserve.
Contact our experienced team of Personal Injury Attorneys today for a consultation.
