The 4th of July is a time for food, family and fireworks – a trifecta that reminds Americans of the freedom we enjoy each day. But the festive weekend can also be a dangerous one, with a distinct spike in emergency room visits to prove it.
The scent of fresh cut grass and backyard barbecues. The delighted shrieks of kids playing in the sprinkler. The long days and balmy nights that define summer in the South. While we wouldn’t trade this sun-soaked season for anything, Berkeley County families must keep in mind that summer brings some risks. In fact, hospitals nationwide report a 15% to 27% increase in emergency room visits over the summer months.
Picture this: A man walks into a bar. No, this isn’t the start of a joke. In fact, there’s nothing funny about this story’s end. Fast forward a few hours. The patron, now stumbling and sloppy, leaves the bar, clutching his keys. He gets behind the wheel and attempts to drive home. In the best case scenario, blue lights are flashing before the driver exits the parking lot.