The Fourth of July is one of the most celebrated holidays in the country.

Every year, people take to the beach, the pool, the backyard, and beyond to celebrate one of America’s most prominent holidays. From backyard barbeques to elaborate fireworks shows, the 4th of July is full of celebration and joy amongst family and friends. 

With more people enjoying the holiday, that means more people on the road. According to crash data, it is actually one of the most dangerous days of the year to be on the road. 

A recent study actually looked at collision records from 2022 to 2024 across 8 different states throughout the U.S. and found drunk driving accidents are one of the most common causes of accidents on Independence Day.

Alcohol-related crashes more than double

While total crashes stayed relatively stable on the 4th of July, alcohol-related crashes increased by 106% compared to similar weekdays. This means the roads aren’t necessarily busier, but they are significantly more dangerous. The nature of the crashes changes, not just the volume.

The riskiest hours: 8 p.m. to midnight

The largest increases in alcohol-related crashes were seen between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., with the biggest spike at 10 p.m., when crashes rose by 236%. If you’re planning to go out during fireworks or late-night celebrations, this time frame carries the highest risk.

Every region sees an increase

All U.S. regions experienced a rise in alcohol-related crashes. The Northeast saw the highest increase at 134%, followed by the South at 129%, the Midwest at 126%, and the West at 96%. No part of the country is safe from this trend.

What you can do

The good news is that these risks are largely preventable. A few simple steps can make a big difference:

  • Designate a sober driver before the night begins or plan to use a rideshare service.
  • If you’re hosting, stock up on supplies ahead of time so no one needs to make a last-minute run.
  • If a guest has been drinking, help them arrange transportation ahead of time instead of waiting until they’re already heading to their car.
  • If you don’t need to drive during the late evening hours, don’t. The data clearly shows a rise in accidents after 10 p.m.

Law enforcement increases patrols during the Fourth of July

Due to the known risks during the holiday, law enforcement agencies across the country typically increase DUI patrols and sobriety checkpoints. Campaigns like “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” are aimed at reducing impaired driving crashes during busy travel times.

Even with increased enforcement, alcohol-related crashes continue to rise each year. Stay aware of your surroundings on the road if you have to drive during the holiday.

Why holiday weekends are especially dangerous

But why do many crashes occur? For one, many celebrations start in the afternoon and continue late into the night. This means people may drink for hours before getting behind the wheel. Secondly, unlike holidays focused on a single meal or event, Independence Day often involves multiple gatherings, travel between locations, and crowded roads after dark.

Fireworks displays can cause sudden traffic congestion, distracted driving, and confusion on unfamiliar roads. When combined with impaired drivers, these conditions increase the chances of serious crashes.

The time from dusk to midnight on July 4th consistently creates some of the most dangerous driving conditions of the entire year. Being aware of this and planning accordingly can make a significant difference.