Nation’s Top Safety Official Reminds Motorists to Take Caution During Deadliest Days on America's Roads

Topics:  Nicole R. Nason

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
July 3, 2007

NHTSA 09-07
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Contact: Heather Hopkins
Telephone: (202) 366-9550

The nation’s top safety official today urged drivers to help save lives by buckling up, driving sober and obeying speed limits during the July 4th holiday which is traditionally the deadliest day on America’s roads.

“We want people to enjoy the fireworks and cook outs but more importantly we want people to be alive to enjoy the next celebration,” said Nicole R. Nason, Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The statistics show over 25 years just how hazardous travel is during the Independence Day holiday period, Nason said. She pointed to alcohol as a major factor in fatal crashes during the July 4 holiday, stressing that a designated, sober driver be identified before the celebration begins. Statistics show that 51 percent of all deadly traffic crashes are related to the use of alcohol during the July 4 holiday, compared to the annual average of about 40 percent.

In addition, Nason said nearly half of those killed in crashes were not using seat belts. Using seat belts – and placing children in proper car seats in the back seat – are the best ways for drivers to protect themselves and their families, she said.

“With so many more people on the road for their holiday celebrations, it becomes critical for drivers to buckle up, drive sober and obey the speed limit,” Nason said.