Each Fourth of July, Americans pack the roads to enjoy fireworks and barbecues, and that heavy travel contributes to an increase in deadly crashes, according to a new study.
Future Bail Bonds examined five years of crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to reveal where and when drivers face the greatest risks on Independence Day. Between 2019 and 2023, 2,394 people lost their lives on July 4th alone, underscoring a hidden danger of the holiday.
Montana Tops the Danger List
Montana ranks as the deadliest state to drive in on Independence Day, with a fatal crash rate of 15.75 per million residents, more than double the national average of 6.63.
The most dangerous hour? Between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., when post-fireworks traffic collides with fatigued or impaired driving. State Routes 35 and US-87/89 are particularly high-risk, with rural stretches and sparse law enforcement, which may potentially add to the danger.
Other states rounding out the top five deadliest include:
- Mississippi, with a crash rate of 12.57, peaking between 3 and 4 p.m., likely tied to daytime travel and holiday gatherings.
- North Dakota, at 12.44, with its riskiest hour between 9 and 10 p.m., especially on local roads like Burleigh Avenue West.
- Wyoming, with 11.86 crashes per million, sees the highest risk during the early evening hours.
- South Dakota, at 11.81, sees the most deadly crashes between 11 p.m. and midnight, particularly on Interstate 90 East.
Western states feature heavily among the most dangerous, highlighting a pattern of higher crash risks in rural, lower-density areas.
When the Roads Get Deadly
Across the nation, late evening consistently emerges as the most dangerous time to drive on July 4th. Between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., many drivers are returning from fireworks shows or heading home from parties, creating a risky mix of fatigue, impaired driving, and congested roads.
Local roads, not just big highways, see many of these tragedies. From small county roads in Mississippi to main streets in North Dakota, the study shows you don’t have to be on the interstate to face deadly consequences.
Where Driving Is Safest
The study also highlighted where you’re least likely to experience a fatal crash on the 4th of July. Hawaii ranked as the safest state, with a crash rate of just 1.38 per million residents, 81% below the national average. Shorter travel distances, lower speed limits, and less road-tripping likely play a role in keeping fatal crashes down.
Other safer states include:
- Rhode Island, with a rate of 1.78 per million
- Massachusetts, at 2.36 per million
- West Virginia, at 3.39 per million
- New Jersey, at 3.53 per million
Many of these states have strong seatbelt laws, a robust police presence, or dense road networks with lower average speeds, which help minimize severe crashes.
The Full Rankings
While Montana tops the list, other states with high fatal crash rates on Independence Day include South Carolina, Kentucky, and Delaware. On the opposite end, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington also appear among the safest.
Key risk factors the study highlighted include:
- The hour of the day, with crashes often spiking after dark
- Rural roads, which can leave crash victims far from emergency help
- Alcohol and speed, consistently cited as major contributors
Methodology
The analysis examined fatal crash rates per million residents on July 4th from 2019 to 2023 using NHTSA data. Researchers ranked each state based on its five-year fatal crash rate, and also highlighted the highest-risk hour of the day and the roads most frequently involved in these deadly collisions.
How to Stay Safe This Independence Day
If you’re planning to celebrate with fireworks and festivities, plan ahead: Avoid driving late at night if possible
- Designate a sober driver
- Watch your speed, even on familiar local roads
- Expect heavy traffic and stay patient
The 4th of July should be a day for celebration, not tragedy. Being mindful of where and when you hit the road can help ensure you enjoy the holiday safely.