With the Fourth of July holiday just around the corner, it is important to keep safety in mind while we plan our celebrations.
This year has brought with it much uncertainty, as we attempt to navigate our “new normal” during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we look to holidays like the Fourth of July as bright spots in all of the confusion. However, as we plan our July 4th celebrations this year we must double down on safety – keeping in mind both responsible social distancing as well as caution behind the wheel. While many of us plan to celebrate the Fourth of July this weekend, some of the services we are used to having available to us have been suspended or modified in the wake of COVID-19.
Perhaps one of most popular safety-nets Florida residents rely on to avoid drinking and driving on July 4th is the “Tow-to-Go” program by AAA. Under the provisions of this program, Florida residents usually have access to the AAA tow truck, which transports the drive and the vehicle home or somewhere safe within 10 miles – free of charge. This program is in place for most major holidays throughout the state of Florida, and is a great way to avoid the dangers of drinking and driving. This year, however, AAA has suspended the “Tow-to-Go” program in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. You can learn more about AAA’s timeline for this suspension at their website (https://autoclubsouth.aaa.com/safety/tow_to_go.aspx). Keeping this in mind, it is important to have a plan in place for your vehicle before you head out for your July 4th celebrations this weekend. One alternative to taking your own vehicle would be utilizing rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are still operating on the Fourth of July holiday. However, if you plan to use services like Uber and Lyft, you should be prepared to put on a face covering before getting in your driver’s vehicle. Rideshare services are doing their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by requiring facial coverings for both drivers and passengers in their vehicles. Utilizing rideshare services on July 4th is an excellent way to ensure you are not endangering your life or the lives of others by placing yourself behind the wheel while under the influence. However, you are encouraged to be prepared with a facial covering before attempting to secure a ride through Uber or Lyft. You can learn more about these guidelines for Lyft at https://www.lyft.com/blog/posts/lyft-launching-health-safety-program and for Uber at https://www.uber.com/blog/your-safety-during-the-new-normal/.
The ongoing situation with COVID-19 has certainly affected how we go about our day-to-day lives. As we celebrate the Fourth of July and all the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, it is important to also reflect on the duties we have as citizens of this great nation. Right now, we have a duty to one another to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We strongly encourage all members of our community to celebrate safely this Fourth of July weekend by practicing safe social distancing, wearing facial coverings in public, and washing your hands frequently.
We wish everyone a wonderful and safe Fourth of July holiday! As always, we remain available to you, should you ever require our services. Do not hesitate to reach out to us at 321-242-7000.