While the Fourth of July is a fun celebration every year, it is also a dangerous time as well.  Studies show that the Fourth of July time period is one of the most dangerous during the year. 

The Fourth of July holiday in the United States is often associated with an increased risk of car accidents and traffic-related incidents due to several factors. These factors include a higher number of people traveling to celebrate, increased alcohol consumption at parties and gatherings, and the use of fireworks, which can distract drivers and lead to hazardous situations.

In fact, this year, the number of Americans traveling over the holiday is projected to be the highest on record. AAA projects 50.7 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Independence Day weekend.

The number of vehicles on the road, coupled with distracted driving, speeding, and increased drunk driving, spells danger for those on the highways. “In fact, the Fourth of July was the deadliest day on American roads between 2014 and 2018 with 660 road fatalities, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.” It is imperative that proper safety measures are taken while driving during Fourth of July weekend, if you indeed have to get in a car. As almost 50% of fatal car accidents from 2008 to 2017 resulted from drunk driving, AAA suggests driving early or when it is still light out so there is more visibility and drunk drivers are less likely to be on the road.

Here are some helpful tips to stay safe while traveling:

1. Drive early – try to avoid the most popular times to drive when there is the most amount of cars on the road. And try to avoid driving in bad weather.
2. Always wear a seatbelt!!
3. Do not speed. Speeding is a major cause of most accidents.
4. Pay attention – put the phone down! Don't be distracted by other people in the car, like your friends goofing around. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents.
5. Do not drink and drive or smoke weed and drive.

Here is a list of the 5 most common causes of car accidents. If you do get into a car accident, here is a list of things to do.

So please stay safe out there while celebrating our nation's Independence Day.