NSC Warns 437 People May Die in July 4 Weekend Traffic Crashes

WASHINGTON, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Safety Council estimates 437 people may die in preventable traffic crashes during the 2025 Independence Day holiday period, from 6 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, July 3, to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 6.

The July 4 holiday period is one of the most dangerous times of the year on U.S. roadways. Data shows 38% of fatalities during Independence Day weekend involve an alcohol-impaired driver, one of the highest percentages among all major holidays.

"The Fourth of July holiday is consistently one of the deadliest periods for roadway users during the year," said Mark Chung, executive vice president of safety leadership and advocacy at NSC. "Holiday travel and risky behaviors combine to create heightened dangers, making extra caution critical for everyone on the road. Every crash is preventable, and we all have a role in ensuring everyone makes it home safely."

To help prevent crashes and save lives, NSC urges everyone to plan ahead and take these simple steps:

• Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before celebrations begin
• Use a rideshare service, taxi or public transportation if you've been drinking
• Host responsibly — ensure guests have a safe way home
• Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or other impairing substances
• Wear your seat belt — it's one of the simplest ways to save your life
• Speak up if someone you know is about to drive impaired — take the keys and help them get home safely

For more safety tips, visit nsc.org/saferoads. Review supplemental information about the Independence Day holiday fatality estimates and additional motor vehicle data at injuryfacts.nsc.org.

About the National Safety Council
The National Safety Council is America's leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for over 110 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace and roadways. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives.

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©2025 National Safety Council

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SOURCE National Safety Council