Independence Day 2022 Shout-outs take precedence over our usual technological topics in this ER Precision Optics blog. 2022 brings all Americans an extra burst of joy as we emerge from the last deadly shadows of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
New pharmaceuticals and massive vaccinations have tamed the viruses. Once again, we are released to enjoy the summer sun and fun. And we are free to celebrate our National Birthday with family, friends, and crowds—maskless for the most part. This makes 2022 incredibly special.
Independence Day 2022 Shout-outs for Summer Travel!
E.R. Optics Salutes American Families Who Celebrate the Traditions of Freedom In the U.S.A. We’re Sending You A Special Shout Out.
AAA has warned us that 47.9 million people will travel 50 miles or more over The Independence Day Holiday.
- This is an increase of 3.7% over 2021.
- Experts think this almost matches the pre-pandemic record of 2019.
- All over the US people are packing their cars and hitting the road for memory-making mini-vacations.
Independence Day 2022 Shout-Outs
Before writing this blog, we tried to think beyond our usual holiday message of “Happy July 4th!” What would be most important in our message this week?
Of course, we want to honor the deep patriotic feelings of the holiday. Here at ER Precision Optics, we honestly believe this country is the “Land of the Free because it is the Home of the Brave.”
And we send a special Shout-out to our military and their families on this great American Holiday.
Shout-out for Safety this Independence Day
If Your Independence Day Party Includes Alcohol, Use a Designated Driver.
We decided that, even if you are not taking a car trip for your holiday, you still need to be aware of the hazards that blot this holiday: Traffic. Please check out these tips and statistics.
- The National Safety Council says that the July 4th weekend is typically one of the most dangerous driving holidays of the year.
- Did you know they estimate “462 people may lose their lives on U.S. roads over the 2022” July 4 holiday weekend? Whatsmore, they stated that drivers could avoid many of these crashes.
- A Big Road Safety Shout-out from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They state that “traffic deaths on U.S. roads are the most dangerous they’ve been in 16 years, hitting a 16-year high in 2021.”
Mark Chung is the executive vice president of roadway practice at NSC. He appealed to Americans everywhere.
He said, “Please take safety personally and follow our safe driving tips…” And he added these tips are “to ensure you get to where you want to go as safely as possible. Your life and those you love may depend on it.”
Take Safety Personally: The National Safety Council Shout-outs for Independence Day 2022
Below, take a look at the tips for automobile safety during this great holiday. Just check these out. Even if you have heard them previously, refresh your memory.
We do not want our readers, clients, vendors, or associates to become part of that 462-death projected death statistic.
1. Click It: Unbelievable as it seems, “Lack of seat belt use is a top cause of fatalities in crashes.” In fact, this blogger knows of a Highway Patrol Officer who stated, “I never unbuckled a dead body.”
So, buckle up. By the way, double-check your car seats for proper installation.
2. Avoid the Buzz: Is your Independence Day 2022 party a fun cocktail party? Or beer-and-burger feast? If so, then please designate a sober driver. Alcohol and/or drugs can impair your visual and mental skills. Buzzed Driving is drunk driving. Remember neither the hospital nor the jail is a fun place to celebrate your Independence Day.
3. Resist your Lead Foot: “Speeding is a factor in more than a quarter of all traffic fatalities. Drive the speed limit or below it if conditions dictate.” Likewise, watch out for pedestrians!
4. Drive Without Distraction: People die if they talk on the phone while driving. It’s distracting. Just turn off your phone or put it on a safe app, and enjoy your trip.
An Independence Day Shout-Out for Holiday Preparations
Follow Safety Tips and Keep Your Family Safe in Spite of Independence Day Traffic Hazards and Crowded Highways.
5. Some driving tips begin before you actually get on the road. Most vehicle owners know this. However, sometimes excitement and that last-minute rush tend to shortcut safety.
Experts advise you to run this simple checklist:
- check the oil,
- put air in the tires,
- and check for and repair open recalls. Visit ChecktoProtect.org to see if your vehicle has an open recall, and get it repaired for free. (Did you know about this point?)
A Seldom-mentioned Tragedy and a Dark Statistic
6. Seldom do you hear about the tragedy of Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke. It happens when a child is left in a hot car. The National Safety Council says, “Look before you lock: Pediatric vehicular heatstroke is still the leading cause of non-crash motor vehicle-related fatality for children.”
You will be shocked to know that “Since 1998, the NSC says more than 900 children in the U.S. have died because of this completely preventable tragedy.”
Thus, we warn you to take a look in your backseat when you leave your car. (Many vehicles also now offer a rear-seat reminder.) We know that you are thinking this could never happen to you or your family. But 2022 has given us a scorching summer, and the horror could happen quickly.
Shout-outs Wrapup: Good Wishes and Inspiration
We would be remiss if we did not leave you will a few quick, inspirational quotes in honor of our Independence Day.
First, we note that Sargent-Major Bill Paxton stated, “May we never forget our fallen comrades. Freedom isn’t free.”
Secondly, we quote Dwight D. Eisenhower’s words about this holiday.
“Independence Day: freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed — else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.”
A Shout-out for the Red, White, and Blue
E.R. Precision Optical Wishes You, Your Family, And Friends a Safe, Happy, and Inspiring Independence Day 2022.
Thirdly, while we prepare to watch fireworks and wave our flags, remember the words of Calvin Coolidge, 30th president of the United States. He said, “We identify the flag with almost everything we hold dear on Earth: peace, security, liberty, our family, our friends, our home…”
Then he added, “But when we look at our flag and behold it, emblazoned with all our rights, we must remember that it is equally a symbol of our duties.” And he concluded, with an Independence Day 2022 Reminder, “…Every glory that we associate with it is the result of duty done.”
We hope these three quotes brought you some inspiration as you prepare for the family, friends, and food of this remarkable July 4, 2022. Happy Independence Day from our ER Precision Optics family to you, our friends and family. Have a safe, star-spangled holiday!
Thank you for reading the ER Precision Optics blogs. If you missed having a technical topic this week, review our previous blog. Then check in next week as we take deeper dive into some of the secret problems behind creating semi-conductors.
