Alabama Newscenter — Independence Day Ups Instances of Deadly, Severe Traffic Crashes, University of Alabama Analysis Shows

By Adam Jones
University of Alabama

Traffic crashes on Independence Day can be more severe and deadlier than most other days, according to an analysis of state traffic records by researchers at the University of Alabama.

During the past five years, the July 4 holiday averaged 2.2 fatal crashes per year, or a total of 11 fatal crashes in Alabama over the five-year period. This was higher than expected for that day because Independence Day has the fewest total vehicle crashes out of the week surrounding the holiday. There were also more severe crashes on July 4, with most having major causes listed as impaired driving from alcohol or drugs as well as speeding.

“Often the only difference between a severe injury and a fatality crash is a few miles per hour in speed and whether the occupants are buckled up,” said Dr. David Brown, a researcher with the Center for Advanced Public Safety (CAPS) who led the study. “The high percentage of severe injuries and fatalities establishes that the crashes occurring on the Fourth of July, while fewer in number, tend to be significantly more severe.”

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