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Fourth of July May Be the Riskiest Holiday

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July 4 may celebrate American independence but, when it comes to risk, you’re far from free.

“With school out for summer, the Fourth of July holiday is typically the busiest summer travel holiday, with five million more Americans traveling compared to Memorial Day weekend,” said AAA Chief Operating Officer Marshall L. Doney. “In line with tradition, most travelers are celebrating their newfound summer freedom with an all-American road trip.

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” Gas prices are 20 cents higher than they were last year, but that is not going to stop even more people from driving – AAA Travel projects that 34.8 million people will be on the road over the holiday weekend.

Unfortunately, it is the deadliest time of year to be on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40% of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities occur over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. It is also the time of year when the highest proportion of drivers get behind the wheel while under the influence, playing a role in almost half of those deadly crashes. Many states have already announced plans to increase DWI and distracted driving patrols, including New York, New Jersey, California, Colorado and Arizona.

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Closer to home, fireworks present a notable safety risk for you and your home. In 2013, eight people died and an estimated 11,400 were injured by fireworks, and 65% of those accidents took place within a month of July 4, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported. That is about 30% more than in 2012.

According to the National Fire Protection Association there are more fires reported on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year and a third of those fires are caused by fireworks. With extreme drought plaguing the western states, fireworks, outdoor grilling areas and camp fires require extra caution.

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“Low water levels and extreme drought conditions in many states makes fire safety even more crucial this year,” Christopher Hackett, director of personal lines for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, said in a press release. “One ember from a camp fire or firework can travel and ignite a fire a mile away. It is critical that people follow state laws and take extra precautions to avoid causing preventable fires.”

“Fireworks are a great way for charities to raise funds and make childhood memories, but they can get out of control and turn fun into tragedy very quickly,” he added. “Let the Fourth be a reminder to not only prevent wildfires but also prepare our homes and family finances for catastrophes.”

Fireworks Gone Wrong

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Every 4th of July, average, law-abiding citizens turn into amateur pyromaniacs (myself included). And each Independence Day the emergency rooms are full of those people (and onlookers) who have been injured by these beautiful displays of chemicals mixing with fire to create the glorious sky art we so enjoy. Here are a couple of geniuses setting off fireworks in a driveway, with one participant sustaining burns (the first firework launch is all that really needs to be viewed to understand the risks):

In response to the upcoming 4th of July fire hazard, the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association is issuing a warning to both firework fans and insurance companies:

Insurance agents should be aware that in 2008, fireworks caused an estimated 22,500 reported fires, including 1,400 total structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 20,600 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated one civilian death, 40 civilian injuries and $42 million in direct property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

But let us not forget the mother of all fireworks disasters — the Enshede fireworks factory explosion in May 2000. The fire, and following massive explosion, killed 23 people and injured 947 in and around the Netherlands factory.

As evidenced here, fireworks are both beautiful and deadly. Be safe this 4th of July weekend.

Not-So-Fun Fireworks Facts

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Every 4th of July, Americans gather around dangerous explosives to celebrate the country’s independence. And every year, these explosives injure thousands of patriotic partiers.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety estimates that there were 9,600 fireworks-related injuries in 2004. The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that there were 11 deaths related to fireworks in 2007.

Along with being harmful to humans, fireworks can spark major fires, costing millions of dollars nationwide each year. In 2007, for example, out of control fireworks caused a massive wildfire in Saugatuck, Michigan that destroyed three homes and damaged a fourth. The cost: $2 million. Also in 2007, a mother of three was killed by illegal, commercial grade fireworks during a show that was not manned by professionals as it should have been.

Fireworks: sometimes the risk far outweighs the reward.

But seriously, have a great (and safe) 4th of July.

UPDATE: The Times is reporting 32 deaths this year.

“We’re doing something that is measurable,” said John P. Hassett, chemistry professor at the State University College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse. “It’s hard to say how bad it is.”

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