DOS
July 01, 2022
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Consumer Alert: The New York State Division of Consumer Protection Offers New Yorkers Safety Tips for a Safe 4th of July |
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4th of July Weekend Typically Sees a Rise in Firework Related Injuries and Increase in Drunk Driving Cases Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez Urgers New Yorkers to Celebrate Safely and Use Extreme Caution with Fireworks and Family Gatherings The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) reminds New Yorkers to keep safe while celebrating Independence Day. As we celebrate this annual tradition with festivities ranging from fireworks, picnics, parades, family gatherings and barbecues, let’s also remember basic safety tips that apply to everyone. “I know many New Yorkers are eager to celebrate Independence Day this year, but we must ensure our celebrations are safe and fun,” said New York State, Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez who oversees the NYS Division of Consumer Protection. “Around this holiday, the biggest threats to safety are very close to home. The 4th of July is one of the holidays with the highest number of accidents. We want to make sure the time-honored holiday tradition of fireworks is done safely by following basic tips.” “Summertime, and especially the Fourth of July, are times of celebration and togetherness, but when fireworks and sparkling devices are added to the party, it can lead to very serious injuries for those involved,” New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said. "The best way to stay safe this Fourth of July is to leave the fireworks to the professionals, but if you plan on using sparkling devices, please make sure you do so as safely as possible.” Around the 4th of July, there are a lot of fire-related accidents. Every year, thousands of people — most of them children, teens and young adults — are injured while using fireworks. Most of these injuries happen in the month around the 4th of July. The Consumer Product Safety Commission found that nationally nearly half of the fireworks-related injuries were to people younger than 20 years of age. Additionally, the 4th of July is one of the most dangerous holidays to be on the road. According to the National Traffic Safety Administration, dates around this holiday, sadly, often see an increase in impaired driving crashes. Drunk driving isn’t the only risky behavior causing crashes on our roads; drug-impaired and distracted driving are issues too. Many people recognize that driving under the influence is dangerous. However, many people fail to recognize the danger of driving while distracted, especially if they try to talk or text on a cell phone. NYS Division of Consumer Protection wants you to enjoy a safe holiday and offers these tips you can follow: FIREWORKS - WHAT’S LEGAL AND WHAT’S NOT IN NEW YORK STATE: What’s Legal:
What’s Not Legal:
TIPS TO CELEBRATE SAFELY: If You Choose to Use Illegal Fireworks, Do It Safely:
Tips for Driving Safely:
To learn more about consumer safety, or to file a marketplace consumer complaint against a business or individual, please contact the Division’s Consumer Helpline at (800) 697-1220 or visit its website at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. Follow the Division of Consumer Protection on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer. ###
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