Posted by duijim in on July 4, 2023
Atlanta DUI Lawyer Speaks on July 4th Drinking & Driving
With numerous events planned to mark this holiday weekend, this should be a memorable weekend. However, remember that driving while impaired can quickly ruin any fun you might otherwise have!
AAA projects record-breaking numbers will travel over the July 4th holiday, so it is essential that people plan ahead and choose safe modes of transport to return home safely.
1. It’s a holiday
Are You Dressed in Red, White and Blue or Looking for an American Patriotic Kickstart? Atlanta offers plenty of events that are sure to get your patriotic juices flowing. Take in a parade, concert or one of Atlanta’s spectacular fireworks shows for some patriotic inspiration!
Roswell Area Park provides the perfect setting for family fun with food trucks and activities such as music, inflatables, and fireworks – plus food truck vendors too! Don’t miss it this Saturday.
Get some thrills at Zoo Atlanta or Six Flags, show your Yankee Doodle pride at a Braves game, or see fireworks from river and lake cruises – these offer the ideal vantage points! Whatever your plans may be for July 4th festivities, please remember that buzzed driving is still drunk driving; even small amounts can alter reaction time and distance judgment so it is vital that you make plans before driving on Independence Day!
2. It’s a weekend
As America celebrates her 236th birthday this weekend, many Americans will celebrate by grilling traditional barbeques or dancing to Souza jams at their city’s star-studded Fourth in the Park Festival. There will surely be something fun going on this weekend to mark her celebration!
Atlanta’s annual family-oriented festival features music, food, and fireworks for an enjoyable event that runs from 4-10 p.m. It is free of charge; VIP tables may be purchased.
Georgia permits alcohol sales on Sundays; however, laws can differ depending on your county or city of residence. Be sure to research local ordinances before heading out for some fun in the sun! Also keep in mind that many waterways in Georgia participate in “Operation Dry Water”, an impaired boater prevention program with game wardens on hand to keep impaired drivers off Georgia waters; you can learn more about Georgia’s Move Over, Slow Down law.
3. It’s a social event
The Fourth of July is one of the best times of year to witness metro Atlanta fireworks displays at their best. Whether running the AJC Peachtree Road Race, cheering friends and family from the sidelines or volunteering as part of its team that organizes this iconic 10k race, fireworks displays can be found all across town on July 4th!
Let Freedom Ring is an annual fireworks display hosted by Acworth at Cauble Park and includes live music and delicious food. In Marietta, visit Fantastic Fourth Celebration Lakefront which includes boat parade and fireworks show finale; or head over to Centennial Olympic Park for Look Up Atlanta for another spectacular event.
As part of their Fantastic Fourth Celebration every evening from July 1-5, Stone Mountain Park hosts an explosive firework show, complete with laser light display. Or show your Yankee Doodle pride by attending one of Braves games or visit Georgia Aquarium – home to sharks, sea lions, penguins and much more!
4. It’s a family event
Holiday weekend marks an occasion for families to come together, attend parades and BBQs, and watch fireworks shows. However, if you plan on drinking alcohol over the course of this weekend make sure you arrange for a designated driver or arrange transportation home as even small amounts can impair reaction times and distance judgment when driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration even small amounts can impair driving skills and may affect reaction times and judgment behind the wheel.
At City Springs or Braves baseball game, celebrations on Independence Day will certainly bring out your inner patriot. At Red, White & BOOM! in historic Olde Town Conyers you can keep little patriots busy with arts & crafts activities, food booths and carnival games that celebrate America.
Starting as soon as noon Friday, expect heavier-than-usual traffic on interstates to begin building up rapidly, with commuters adding 30 to 45 minutes onto their drive time. On Thursday and Friday surface streets will see lower volumes than normal traffic volumes.