How to Make Better Choices While Celebrating the 4th of July 

For drivers who have received an SR-22 reporting requirement in the past or otherwise struggled with alcohol and driving, July 4th offers a mixed blessing: Spending time with family and friends and plenty of opportunities to drink and make poor choices. 

In this guide, you will discover how you can make better choices on the 4th of July holiday, including some ways to avoid getting into a drunk driving situation, alternatives to drinking (including some of the tastiest mocktails around), and how to stay safe when playing with fireworks. 

Planning to Drink on July 4th? Here’s How to Celebrate Responsibly 

The easiest way to avoid drinking and driving is to not drink. If you’re planning to visit friends and family, consider asking a friend to be your designated driver for the day. Other options include taxis and rideshare apps, especially if you’re celebrating outside the house. 

Something else to keep in mind is that law enforcement may have DUI checkpoints positioned along the most popular routes in your area. Failing a sobriety test at one of these checkpoints or refusing to participate in a sobriety test could cause serious legal problems, including arrest. 

Below are some of the best ways to avoid drunk driving on Independence Day: 

• Stay Home: Staying home offers the best way to avoid driving drunk. Even if you plan to drink, staying home can help you avoid hopping in the car and going somewhere else. 

• Walk, Bike, or Scoot Instead of Drive: If you live in a walkable neighborhood, consider heading to your celebration on foot or by riding a bicycle or scooter. Electric bikes and scooters can make this even easier! Remember, you can also be arrested for DWI on a bicycle! 
• Use a Rideshare App: With many rideshare apps available on the market these days, there has never been an easier way to get from Point A to Point B while letting a professional take the wheel. 
• Call a Friend: A trusted friend can help you to get where you need to go without driving. If your car isn’t with you, it’s less likely you’ll choose to operate a motor vehicle under the influence. Pick a close friend or family member who can be your DD for the evening! 
• Don’t Drink: Of course, the best way to practice safety is to simply not drink at all. 

If you do happen to come across a DUI or sobriety checkpoint, make sure you have your license and insurance information handy. 

The best way to avoid problems at these checkpoints (aside from not drinking and driving) is to have all your paperwork ready to hand off, especially if you’ve previously received an SR-22 or FR-44. Alcohol consumption and driving is no joke, and the legal penalties and impact on your health, safety and finances can be serious. 

Alternatives to Drinking  

Luckily for those who don’t plan to drink on July 4th, you can still enjoy many delicious non-alcoholic beverages and cocktails perfect for the summer months! Below you will find some of the tastiest non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy: 

• Half and Half (Arnold Palmer): Nothing says summer is here better than a half-and-half lemonade iced tea. Add some natural cane sugar and you have yourself a true southern treat! 
• Virgin Colada Mocktail: Everyone loves a cold, refreshing piña colada on hot summer days, and this version simply skips the rum. 

• Non-Alcoholic Beer: Many varieties of non-alcoholic beer can be found on the shelves of your local supermarket or convenience store. 
• Virgin Frozen Banana Daiquiri: While the traditional daiquiri contains rum and is usually served straight up and slightly chilled, this version is even more delicious – it’s like a banana milkshake! 
• Soda Water and Bitters: Numerous bitters exist these days and combining them with soda water can give you that cocktail kick and flavor notes without the subsequent hangover. 
• Flavored Sparkling Waters: Want something simpler? Just crack open a can of your favorite sparkling water. 
• Ginger Beer and Lemon (Or Lime): Last, but certainly not least, is the ageless ginger beer. Consider adding a slice of either lemon or lime depending on what you like most to have a Moscow Mule (without the next-day kick). 

Other classic summer drinks include lemonade, pink lemonade, and – of course – traditional iced tea! Consider sipping one of these beverages instead of going for a beer to avoid running into any driving problems afterward. 

Don’t Forget to Practice Fireworks Safety 

No Independence Day is complete without fireworks. If you’re planning to engage in a little sparkler or bottle rocket fun this year, consider following these fireworks safety tips: 

• Check if fireworks are allowed in your area. Nobody wants to pay fines. 
• Only let responsible adults handle and light the fireworks. Keep the kids and pets away. 

• Take the fireworks party outside! Find an open space, far away from buildings and stuff that can catch fire. 
• Wear cool sun or safety glasses to protect your eyes from sparks and debris. If loud noises bug you, pop in some earplugs. 
• Don’t skip the instructions that come with your fireworks. 
• Be prepared for anything. Have a fire extinguisher and a bucket of water nearby just in case things get too hot to handle. 
• Leave the pyrotechnics to the pros. Don’t try to make your own fireworks. That’s a recipe for disaster! 

• Keep an eye on the wind. Make sure it’s blowing away from the crowd and anything flammable. 
• Tell the spectators to back off to a safe distance from the fireworks action. Safety first! 
• When the show’s over, cool down the fireworks by dunking them in a bucket of water to make sure they’re completely out. 

Shop for Affordable SR-22 Insurance This 4th of July 

We all make mistakes in life, so if you have received an SR-22 reporting requirement from your state’s DMV, SR-22 Adviser’s partner offers affordable SR-22 insurance for your situation. Get a quote today to get started!