Deadliest cities to drive in over July 4th weekend
Fireworks, flags and road fatalities
Independence Day is among the worst weekends to get behind the wheel.
The Fourth of July falls on a Sunday in 2021, with the following Monday observed as a Federal Holiday instead, encouraging millions of Americans to plan for three consecutive days off. The increased number of people hitting the road could make the holiday weekend one of the worst for driving in America.
How bad? Since 2010, roughly 410 (409.7) people have died on US roads over Independence Day holiday weekend each year, according to our analysis of the most recent Fatality Analysis Reporting System data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from 2010 to 2019.
In 2019, Fourth of July weekend was one of the deadliest for driving in the last decade, with 464 fatal accidents resulting in 517 deaths on the road.
Number of fatal accidents and fatalities on July Fourth weekend, 2010–2019
| Year | Number of fatal crashes | Persons killed in fatal crashes |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 362 | 393 |
| 2011 | 384 | 429 |
| 2012 | 171 | 180 |
| 2013 | 470 | 513 |
| 2014 | 360 | 401 |
| 2015 | 379 | 410 |
| 2016 | 414 | 457 |
| 2017 | 548 | 603 |
| 2018 | 171 | 194 |
| 2019 | 464 | 517 |
Which cities pose the biggest threat on July 4th?
Los Angeles, California, is the most dangerous city to drive in over the holiday long weekend, accounting for 84 road fatalities since 2010.
Los Angeles is followed by Harris, Texas, which recorded 44 deaths, and Maricopa, Arizona, which recorded 41 over that same time.
Top 10 most dangerous cities to drive in during the 4th of July holiday period, 2010-2019
| Rank | City | State | Number of fatalities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles | California | 84 |
| 2 | Harris | Texas | 44 |
| 3 | Maricopa | Arizona | 41 |
| 4 | Cook | Illinois | 38 |
| 5 | San Bernardino | California | 31 |
| 6 | Riverside | California | 28 |
| 7 | Dallas | Texas | 27 |
| 8 | Orange | California | 26 |
| 9 | San Diego | California | 24 |
| 10 | Broward | Florida | 23 |
| 10 | Bexar | Texas | 23 |
Which is the most dangerous state to drive in during the last 10 years?
While California is home to five of the top 10 most dangerous cities, it’s not the most dangerous state to drive in over the long holiday weekend.
That dubious honor falls to Texas, which has recorded 397 road fatalities over the long Independence Day weekends from 2010 to 2019.
California comes in at a close second with 390 fatalities, trailed by Florida at 293 deaths.
Most and least dangerous states to drive in during the 4th of July holiday period, 2010-2019
| Rank | State | Number of fatalities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 397 |
| 2 | California | 390 |
| 3 | Florida | 293 |
| 4 | Georgia | 143 |
| 5 | New York | 135 |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | 134 |
| 7 | North Carolina | 133 |
| 8 | Ohio | 130 |
| 9 | Illinois | 125 |
| 9 | Missouri | 125 |
Which states boast the lowest road fatalities?
Idyllic Vermont saw only seven road fatalities over Independence Day weekend in the last decade. The Green Mountain State is followed by North Dakota and Rhode island at ten deaths on the road apiece.
| Rank | State | Number of fatalities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | 7 |
| 2 | North Dakota | 10 |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 10 |
| 4 | Alaska | 13 |
| 5 | Hawaii | 17 |
| 6 | Delaware | 18 |
| 6 | Wyoming | 18 |
| 8 | Maine | 19 |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 22 |
| 10 | Nebraska | 23 |
| 10 | South Dakota | 23 |
Most dangerous states to drive in over July 4th weekend in the last 10 years
| State | Number of persons killed in fatal crashes |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 118 |
| Alaska | 13 |
| Arizona | 115 |
| Arkansas | 49 |
| California | 390 |
| Colorado | 69 |
| Connecticut | 32 |
| Delaware | 18 |
| District of Columbia | 10 |
| Florida | 293 |
| Georgia | 143 |
| Hawaii | 17 |
| Idaho | 29 |
| Illinois | 125 |
| Indiana | 100 |
| Iowa | 47 |
| Kansas | 35 |
| Kentucky | 88 |
| Louisiana | 72 |
| Maine | 19 |
| Maryland | 60 |
| Massachusetts | 48 |
| Michigan | 122 |
| Minnesota | 45 |
| Mississippi | 82 |
| Missouri | 125 |
| Montana | 31 |
| Nebraska | 23 |
| Nevada | 41 |
| New Hampshire | 22 |
| New Jersey | 69 |
| New Mexico | 42 |
| New York | 135 |
| North Carolina | 133 |
| North Dakota | 10 |
| Ohio | 130 |
| Oklahoma | 78 |
| Oregon | 51 |
| Pennsylvania | 134 |
| Rhode Island | 10 |
| South Carolina | 96 |
| South Dakota | 23 |
| Tennessee | 107 |
| Texas | 397 |
| Utah | 35 |
| Vermont | 7 |
| Virginia | 80 |
| Washington | 67 |
| West Virginia | 40 |
| Wisconsin | 54 |
| Wyoming | 18 |
Drunk driving an issue on Independence Day
Over the Fourth of July weekend, drunk drivers are involved in over a third (38.30%) of all fatal road accidents.
| Year | Accidents involving a drunk driver | Total fatal accidents | % of accidents involving a drunk driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 142 | 362 | 39.2% |
| 2011 | 145 | 384 | 37.8% |
| 2012 | 77 | 171 | 45.0% |
| 2013 | 183 | 470 | 38.9% |
| 2014 | 152 | 360 | 42.2% |
| 2015 | 127 | 379 | 33.5% |
| 2016 | 169 | 414 | 40.8% |
| 2017 | 199 | 548 | 36.3% |
| 2018 | 66 | 171 | 38.6% |
| 2019 | 166 | 464 | 35.8% |
| Total | 1,426 | 3,723 | 38.3% |
Protecting yourself with car insurance
While car insurance won’t protect you from a drunk driver or stop your car from a crash, it can help you deal with the financial consequences of an accident that might take place on your way to celebrate with fireworks.
If you’re hitting the road this Fourth of July on two, four or more wheels, make sure you’re protected with strong auto insurance. Don’t have a policy you’re happy with? Compare your car insurance options to ensure you get the best coverage that fits your needs and budget. Here’s to a safe July 4th!
For media inquiries:
Allan Givens
Public Relations Manager
203-818-2928
allan.givens@finder.com
Nicole Gallina
Communications Coordinator
347-677-4931
nicole.gallina@finder.com
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