The Fourth of July is a day filled with festivities like fireworks, parades, and picnics. However, behind this celebratory atmosphere lies a somber reality – it is also the deadliest summer holiday on the roads. The unique nature of the holiday contributes to this unfortunate statistic. Unlike holidays such as Labor Day or Memorial Day that often provide extended weekends for travel, the Fourth of July can fall on any day of the week. This means that driving travel can be more concentrated, sometimes even limited to just one day. Furthermore, the Fourth of July attracts massive crowds from coast to coast, leading to increased risks and potential for accidents.
Jerry, an insurance app, analyzed crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) along with information from the Census Bureau. Their findings shed light on the seriousness of the issue, particularly as a record-breaking 60.6 million Americans are expected to be traveling this Fourth of July. Here are some key insights from their research:
1. Increase in Fatal Crashes: Between 2016 and 2022, there was an average of 429 fatal crashes nationwide on the Fourth of July each year. This is a 17% increase compared to the average between 2008 and 2015.
2. Impaired Driving Deaths: In the Fourth of July weekend of 2022 alone, nearly 500 deaths were attributed to impaired drivers.
3. Factors Contributing to Crashes: Almost half of the crashes (47%) involved a combination of speeding, drinking, and drugs. Speeding was a factor in 31% of the crashes, while 32% involved at least one driver under the influence of alcohol. Additionally, 12% of the crashes involved drugs.
4. Gender Disparity: Approximately 73% of car crash fatalities on the Fourth of July are male, and the majority of them had been drinking.
5. Age Group Risk: Over half (52%) of those killed in crashes are under 40 years old. Among this age group, two-thirds (66%) of the deaths were in drinking-related crashes, highlighting the heightened risk for young people.
6. Time of Day: The period between 9 p.m. and midnight sees a significant uptick in deadly crashes as people drive home from parties and fireworks shows. Another spike is observed after 1 a.m. when bar closings further contribute to the problem.
7. Regional Variances: Some cities and states experience more fatal crashes than others on the Fourth of July. Los Angeles, Chicago, and Detroit have the highest number of fatal crashes, along with California, Texas, and Florida due to their large populations. However, when adjusted for population, cities like Detroit, Memphis, and Kansas City emerge as the worst offenders. Additionally, states like Montana and the Dakotas also experience a high number of fatal crashes likely due to the greater distances driven.
8. Boating Fatalities: The issue of alcohol-related fatalities extends beyond car crashes. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) emphasizes that boating fatalities involving alcohol are also a significant problem during the Fourth of July. The U.S. Coast Guard confirms that alcohol’s effects on judgment and reaction times are significantly amplified on the water.
Considering the risks associated with young people drinking on the Fourth of July, MADD recommends adopting strategies from the Power of Parents Handbook. A five-year study concluded that this resource helps teenagers become more likely to decline rides from impaired drivers and less likely to drive while impaired themselves.
Jerry’s report features several revealing charts that provide a deeper understanding of the Fourth of July crash data. While two charts have been included here, readers are encouraged to explore the full report for more comprehensive insights.
In conclusion, it is important to prioritize safety on the Fourth of July. While fireworks may be the main concern for many, the risks associated with driving under the influence and reckless behavior should not be overlooked. By being aware of the statistics and taking precautions, we can strive to make this holiday both enjoyable and safe for everyone.
