A disturbing trend, tracked over 17 years, indicates that an increasing number of travelers may lose their lives this Independence Day weekend in motor vehicle accidents. Today, 21st Century Insurance and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced the findings of a study that shows July 4th to be the deadliest day of the year on America's roads, followed closely by July 3rd and July 2nd.
The statistics, compiled from the federal Fatality Analysis reporting system by the IIHS, showed a marked increase in deadly crashes on or around national holidays, with a surprising emphasis around Independence Day. Across America, July 4th proves to be the deadliest day on our nation's roadways with an average of 161 motor vehicle fatalities. This is followed closely by 149 deaths on July 3 and 138 on July 2. The daily national average is 117 deaths per day.
Key factors in the higher than average number of fatalities include alcohol and increased traffic on the road. The data showed alcohol played a role in forty-one percent of the July 4 crash deaths, as opposed to thirty-three percent on Christmas, another holiday traditionally associated with extensive highway driving.
"While more deaths do occur on some of the holidays, the toll of fatalities is relentless every day, all year long," said Allan Williams, Chief Scientist at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
This Independence Day weekend, motorists are encouraged to follow the these proven safe driving tactics:
Do not drink and drive. Forty-one percent of motor vehicle fatalities this July 4th weekend will be related to driving under the influence.
Allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
Make sure your children are secured properly in a child safety seat. For tips on child safety seat installation, go to the NewCarBuyingGuide.com Safety section, or contact your local CHP office to arrange an inspection.
Do not tailgate on the highways and monitor your speed.
Focus on the road in front of you. Try to avoid distracting behavior like eating, speaking on the phone, or turning around to the rear of the car while driving.
Drive cautiously and do not challenge aggressive drivers.
According to the IIHS analysis, the 10 deadliest days of the year on our nation's roads are:
July 4: 2,743/Total Deaths 1986-2002, 161/Average Per Day
July 3: 2,534/Total Deaths 1986-2002, 149/Average Per Day
December 23: 2,470/Total Deaths 1986-2002, 145/Average Per Day
August 3: 2,413/Total Deaths 1986-2002, 142/Average Per Day
January 1: 2,411/Total Deaths 1986-2002, 142/Average Per Day
August 6:2,387/Total Deaths 1986-2002, 140/Average Per Day
August 4: 2,365/Total Deaths 1986-2002, 139/Average Per Day
August 12:2,359/Total Deaths 1986-2002, 139/Average Per Day
July 2:2,340/Total Deaths 1986-2002, 138/Average Per Day
September 2:2,336 /Total Deaths 1986-2002, 137/Average Per Day
The average number of deaths daily for the 1986 through 2002 period was 117.
Auto accidents are the leading cause of death among children and claim far too many adult lives as well. It is up to all of us to do what we can to make our roads as safe as possible and watch out for each other as we celebrate Independence Day.
