Were saying to celebrate the 4th of July but what we are saying is be SAFE, SAFE, SAFE!
The Fourth of July is a time for America to commemorate the passage of the Declaration of Independence and often celebrated with parades, concerts, firework shows, family road trips, barbeques, and parties where participants toast to the nation.
Sadly, these holiday festivities can lead to potentially deadly consequences on the roads, especially when alcohol is thrown into the mix. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, 812 people died in motor vehicle crashes involving drunk drivers during the July 4th holiday period from 2014-2018.
“Many of our service members and their families will take to the roads in hopes of celebrating our nation’s birthday someplace special,” said Michael Ballard, chief of occupational safety, Air Force Safety Center. “I urge leadership at all levels to take time to engage with Airmen and Guardians about having a plan to reduce the risks associated with their holiday weekend activities.”
On average, 10,200 home fires are started by a grill each year, with gas grills contributing to a higher number of fires than charcoal grills, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
The USFA reported that almost half (49%) of grill fires on residential properties occur between 5 and 8 p.m., with more than half (57%) occurring between May and August.
Nearly a third (32%) of grill fires on residential properties start on patios, terraces, screened-in porches or courtyards, while an additional 24% start on exterior balconies and unenclosed porches.
The leading power source of grill fires is “gas fuels,” with fires primarily being fueled by propane, according to the USFA.
The leading factors contributing to the ignition of these fires are mechanical failures or malfunctions, misuse of materials and operational deficiencies.
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal advises everyone to take the following steps to help ensure safe grilling:
- Propane and charcoal grills should be used only outdoors.
- The grill should be placed away from the home or deck railing, and out from under the eaves of your home and overhanging tree branches.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in the trays below the grill.
- Never leave your grill unattended.
- Always make sure gas grill lids are open before lighting it.
- Check the gas tank on your propane grills and hoses for leaks each time before using.
- If you smell gas while grilling, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department.
- Make sure charcoal grill coals are cool before disposing of them in a metal container.
- Always have a fire extinguisher, bucket of water or garden hose nearby or know where you can access one quickly.
- Campfires need to be built at least 25 feet way from tents, shrubs and anything that can burn. Make sure fires are allowed in the area where you are camping.
- Use of chimneys, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits need to be at least 10 feet away from your home or anything that can burn.
You can find an easy-to-follow grill safety guide published by the USFA here.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), July 4th is historically the deadliest day of the year for traffic fatalities in the United States. This is primarily due to a combination of increased travel and alcohol consumption. The National Safety Council (NSC) projects that in 2025 alone, as many as 599 people could die in motor vehicle crashes during the holiday weekend.
What makes this time so hazardous? For one, over 43 million Americans are expected to travel during the holiday period, the majority of them by car. Heavy traffic, long travel times, and drivers unfamiliar with their routes create an environment ripe for accidents. Add alcohol into the mix, and the risks escalate dramatically.
In fact, over 40% of July 4th crash fatalities involve alcohol impairment. Drivers aged 21 to 34 are the highest risk group, who account for nearly half of all alcohol-related crash deaths during this period.
How to stay safe on the road:
- Always wear your seatbelt. Seat belts reduce fatal injury risk by 45%.
- Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Plan your route ahead of time to avoid getting lost or fatigued.
- Avoid driving late at night when impaired drivers are more likely to be on the road.
- If you’re going out drinking, use a designated driver, rideshare app, or public transportation.
- Never use your phone while driving.
Come on back for part II tomorrow on continuing with facts and safety tips!