Fourth of July is a time to celebrate the independence of the United States! However, this holiday weekend can also be one of the most dangerous weekends of the year. On average, Americans spend over $1.6 billion on beer and wine over the Fourth of July weekend. This increase in spending has had deadly costs in years past. According to the NHTSA, 1,339 motor vehicle drivers were killed over the Fourth of July weekend from 2015 to 2019… and 38% of these drivers were drunk.
Not only has alcohol-impaired driving led to this increase in motor vehicle deaths, but with the legalization of marijuana we can expect these numbers to rise exponentially. In 2019, with only 11 states allowing recreational use, Americans spent over $400 million on marijuana– a 60% increase from the weekly national average. In 2021, there are now 19 states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use.
Alternatives to drinking
This year, Fourth of July is on a Sunday, and being hungover on a Monday is never fun. Although many people may choose to celebrate with alcohol, there are other alternatives to drinking.
In 2021, there are many non-alcoholic liquors and drinks that are available in the United States. These alternatives have the look and taste of alcohol (so you don’t have to feel left out or peer pressured) without the negative effects and consequences of liquor.
Additionally, now that the United States is beginning to open up after the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many family-friendly events that are being held by cities and states. Most of the time, these events do not serve alcoholic beverages so you won’t have to feel tempted to participate in drinking if you don’t want to.
If your friends plan on drinking and you don’t want to- try not to give into peer pressure. Peer pressure can have a strong influence in people’s decisions to drink and how much people decide to drink. If your friends are pressuring you to drink- and you don’t want to- read our article, The Psychology of Saying “No”, for ways to (politely) say no to drinking.
If you decide to drink
If you decide to celebrate this weekend with a few alcoholic drinks, take the right steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others. No one wants to finish their holiday celebration with a DUI or worse.
Every Fourth of July, companies pay to give individuals who have been drinking a free ride home. AAA and Captain Morgan are just a couple of companies offering free rides for impaired drivers.
If you choose to not use these services, the average Uber ride on the fourth ranges from $15-$30. So, when you are buying that alcohol for your holiday celebrations, make sure to set aside some money so you can make it home safely.
Party.0 encourages partying sober- but if you decide to drink, please make sure you do so safely.
