RIVERSIDE, Ohio -- A man who was injured when a firecracker went off in his car last year on the Fourth of July is leaving it to the pros this year.

Robert O’Neal, 46, is doing well, and admitted that he made a stupid mistake, He combined alcohol with fireworks and it almost killed him.

He is now sharing his story with News Center 7 in an effort to keep others safe.

O’Neal lost part of his thigh and buttocks when he lit a firework that he compared to a half stick of dynamite in his car and it exploded.

O’Neal said he admitted that he celebrated the Fourth of July by drinking too much. He told News Center 7 that he left the Christy Club on Valley Street and planned on leaving the parking lot with a bang.

He lit a firework in his truck, and tried to throw it out the window, but the window was rolled up and the firework exploded, leaving him with serious injuries.

O’Neal said, “If you drink, don’t be around fireworks. It could be deadly. If not, it could leave you with lasting problems. It is just not a good thing to do.”

O’Neal said he really did not want to talk about his injury. In fact, he said his family is ready to put to put the whole incident behind them. However, he said someone needs to hear his story, and if it keeps them safe, then talking about what happened is worth it.

Fireworks Safety Tips:

The Fourth of July is a time for celebration across the country, and here locally - fireworks are a crowd favorite each year. Whether at a professional show or in the backyard, fireworks can be fun to watch - but they can also be very dangerous.

In 2007, an estimated 2,600 children ages 14 and under were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for injuries involving fireworks during the fireworks season, which runs from the middle of June until the middle of July.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 40 percent of the people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15.

Dont ever let kids play with fireworks, period, says Lisa Schwing, RN, trauma program manager at The Childrens Medical Center of Dayton. Theyre intended for use by adults in open spaces and children should watch from a safe distance with plenty of adult supervision to make sure they dont get too close.

As with any activity involving hazardous equipment, keep all children under active supervision at all times and give them your undivided attention. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch them at a community event where professionals handle them, says Schwing.

Dayton Childrens and Safe Kids Greater Dayton recommend these six precautions for adults using fireworks:
1. Light fireworks only on smooth, flat surfaces, and aim them away from spectators, buildings, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
2. Do not try to relight fireworks that malfunction.
3. Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or hold them close to your face.
4. Visit www.recalls.gov to make sure the pyrotechnic devices you are using are not subject to any safety recalls.
5. Do not modify fireworks or use homemade fireworks.
6. Keep a phone handy, and know first aid for burns. Also, keep a fire extinguisher handy and know how to use it.

Fireworks, including sparklers and flares, can cause serious burns as well as blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing. Teach your children how to call 911 in an emergency. Also teach them what to do if their clothing catches on fire - stop, drop and roll, adds Schwing.

Where permitted by law, fireworks should be handled and used in strict accordance with the manufacturers instructions and all warning labels.