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NSC warns 410 traffic deaths may occur this Fourth of July weekend
Data Researcher/Curator
WASHINGTON —
More Americans are expected to hit the road this Fourth of July holiday weekend than last year, even as drivers face higher prices at the pump, according to the latest AAA estimate.
Nearly 62 million drivers will travel at least 50 miles, and with the increased traffic on U.S. roads, the National Safety Council warns that an estimated 410 people may lose their lives during the three-day holiday weekend. That’s a 6% decrease from last year’s estimate of 437.
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The NSC releases annual Independence Day traffic fatality projections using data from the National Highway Traffic Administration Analysis Reporting System. Traffic deaths include fatalities involving all types of road users, including pedestrians, vehicle occupants, cyclists and others.
How does Independence Day compare to other holidays?
Even with the lower projection, the NSC advises drivers to use caution on the roads, as Independence Day remains one of the deadliest holidays for road travel.
In 2024, the Fourth of July had the third-highest average number of traffic fatalities among other holiday periods, averaging 133 deaths per day, according to the latest NHTSA data.
How does the holiday weekend compare to other weekends?
Compared with non-holiday weekends, Independence Day weekend typically sees more traffic fatalities. In 2024, 564 people died on U.S. roads during the holiday weekend. By comparison, there were 520 fatalities during the weekend before July 4 and 502 during the weekend after the holiday.
How to stay safe
Nearly 40% of traffic fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver in 2024, according to NHTSA, a rate higher than the national average.
During the holiday weekend, there are typically more alcohol-impaired drivers on the road and seat belt use tends to drop, according to the NSC.
Here are some tips on how to stay safe over the weekend:
- Buckling up — wearing a seat belt could save about 96 lives.
- Avoid speeding and drive defensively.
- Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions like phones or multitasking.
- Plan ahead and make sure your car is ready for the holiday travel.
