July 4th is the deadliest driving day of the year | PEMCO

There’s so much to celebrate on the Fourth of July, from America’s independence to great BBQ food. But it can be easy to get carried away with all the festivities, which means it’s important to make safety a priority from the start.  

According to the IIHS, July 4th is the deadliest driving day of the year. Stay safe on the roadways with these expert tips. 

How can I stay safe on the Fourth of July? 

1. If you can, avoid driving altogether.

Going out of town for some July 4th festivities? Stay overnight at a hotel, campsite, or friend’s house and drive home the next day. Staying off the road will help alleviate a lot of holiday-related headaches and keep you safer. 

2. Plan your route ahead of time.

If you must drive, it’s wise to come up with a travel plan beforehand. Map your route to avoid the most congested areas (hello, I90 traffic congestion!)—and if you have some time to spare, try taking the scenic route and adding a few fun pitstops along the way.  

3. Buckle up! 

Whether you’re the driver or a passenger, always wear your seat belt—and we mean always. It’s the easiest and most effective way to protect yourself during a car ride (not to mention, it’s the law). Also, make sure your children are in appropriate safety restraints while traveling.

4. Maintain a safe driving distance. 

Leave the tailgating for the tailgate party. Pay attention to the speed limit and be sure to keep a safe distance between you and the vehicles around you. You never know when someone’s going to slam on their brakes or swerve into your lane, so it’s smart to give yourself a little extra space.

5. Be careful when approaching intersections. 

Impaired drivers aren’t exactly known for their ability to follow traffic signals, which makes it all the more important for you to remain vigilant as you approach an intersection. Don’t assume other drivers are going to come to a full stop. Once it’s your turn to go, wait for a few seconds to help avoid a collision with any stop-sign skippers or red-light runners.  

6. Report impaired drivers. 

If you see a driver who appears to be impaired, safely pull over and call 911. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your fellow drivers is to do your part to get impaired drivers off the roadways.  

7. Never drink and drive.

Like wearing your seat belt, this one is non-negotiable. Even one drink can hinder your ability to drive safely. If you plan to partake, designate a sober driver, call an Uber or Lyft, or take public transportation. Besides, it's way easier to let loose when you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to get home in one piece.  

What are the safest times to be on the road? 

In general, it’s wise to avoid the times when most drivers will be heading to or from their destinations. According to AAA, early mornings are typically the safest time to be on the road during holiday weekends.  

Make sure your car insurance coverages are up to date 

Accidents happen. That’s what car insurance is for! Before any holiday road trip, it’s a good idea to double check your policy to make sure you have the coverage you need to financially protect you in case of an unforeseen event.  

A PEMCO agent can help you review your policy and offer suggestions to round out your coverage—so you can get the most out of your Fourth of July celebration. Remember, you're entitled to a free policy review at any time. If you have questions about your policy, you can reach us at 1-800-GO-PEMCO.

We hope everyone has a safe and fun Independence Day and is able to worry less and live more as they celebrate with friends, family, and sunshine. Stay safe out there! 

More articles like this from PEMCO: 

Safety tips for home fireworks lovers and loathers 

Six tips to (safely) enjoy the 'rockets' red glare' 

Prevent car breakdowns