Is the Fourth of July America’s Deadliest Holiday?

The numbers from NHTSA during the July 4^th holiday period are startling.

Fourth of July Fatality Stats

In 2015 from July 2 to July 6, 146 people were killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a BAC of .08 or higher.

In addition, 92 people died in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a BAC of .15 or higher. A BAC of .15 is almost twice the nationwide legal limit.

Unfortunately, July 4^th is also included in what is coined by AAA as ‘The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer’ for teenage drivers.

NHTSA Raising Awareness

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) wants to turn unnecessary tragedy on our roads to heightened awareness this summer. To do that, NHTSA provides educational resources and statistics to let everyone be aware and take action.

NHTSA’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is all-year round, but has special materials for the Fourth of July. (In fact, you may have seen this ad on TV a few times.) The campaign focuses on law enforcement’s goal to stop drunk drivers. Its July 4th page holds infographics, videos, logos and more to promote their goal of preventing drunken driving.

“Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving,” is another holiday marketing campaign from NHTSA that brings awareness to the societal norms, and dangers, of alcohol. Their materials encourage safe tips such as designating a sober driver when getting back home from the holiday events.

Let’s make this year a safe Fourth of July with friends, family and fireworks. Ask a friend or family member who is 100 percent sober to drive you home.

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