As we dwindle down the days in June, the upcoming Fourth of July holiday gives Oregonians plenty of opportunities to celebrate our country’s 249th birthday. This guide provides information about many of the fireworks displays and other activities around the state.
We hope everyone has a safe holiday in 2025. Below are some holiday road safety tips to protect you and your family this year.
Recognize the most dangerous holiday
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) claims that the Fourth of July is considered to be the year’s “deadliest day” for traffic deaths in the USA. The reason for the danger is mostly due to the number of travelers on the highways and those who drink and drive.
Additionally, the National Safety Council (NSC) predicts that the nationwide total of deaths in auto accidents could approach 600 over the upcoming long holiday weekend.
Travel during off-peak hours
Many people travel over the Fourth of July weekend — approximately 43 million Americans are planning on heading out in automobiles over this holiday. Whether to the coast for some beach time or just to the next town for their fireworks display, it’s a good idea to leave earlier than necessary. You may be able to avoid the worst traffic that way.
Designate a sober driver
Keep in mind that your designated driver should never be the person in the group who is the least drunk. A designated driver must stay sober.
Statistics show that historically, more than 40% of traffic deaths over the Fourth of July holiday were linked to drinking and driving.
Road safety tips
The following tips might help save your life this summer:
- Never drive intoxicated by drink or drugs
- Wear a seatbelt to reduce the fatality risk by 45%
- Don’t drive after dark
- Stay off the phone when behind the wheel
Remember, however, that you are only as safe as the others around you on the road.
If you get into a wreck
Preserve your right to seek compensation for your damages, losses and injuries, as you may recover a financial settlement to help you adjust to the “new normal” that is your post-accident life.