Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

July 4 Remains Deadliest Driving Day

A new study concludes that Independence Day is the most dangerous day of the year to drive, with an average fatal crash rate of 14.9 per billion miles driven.

by Staff
June 29, 2017
July 4 Remains Deadliest Driving Day

Source: Geotab

2 min to read


Source: Geotab

The Fourth of July is the most dangerous day to drive in the U.S., according to a new study from Geotab, and AAA forecasts that roughly 37.5 million Americans will take a road trip of at least 50 miles this weekend — up 2.9% from last year.

The National Safety Council said its calculations indicate 582 people may be killed on roads during this holiday weekend period, and an additional 66,900 may be seriously injured in crashes.

Ad Loading...

July 4 registers an average of 119 deadly crashes and a fatal crash rate of 14.9 per billion miles driven, research from Geotab found. Not surprisingly, July 4 has the highest percentage of fatal crashes involving alcohol or incidents of driving under the influence, with an average of 47%.

On average, 28% of all road crashes are related to alcohol and driving under the influence, but that rate rises significantly around national holidays. New Year’s Day (41.6%) and Halloween (41%), which also landed in Geotab’s top 10 list of most dangerous days to drive, have a high percentage of alcohol-related fatalities, too. Each recorded a fatal crash rate of 13.6.

Geotab’s study analyzed road fatality data over a 10-year period to determine national trends as well as how states in the country differ in road safety. Geotab is a telematics and GPS vehicle tracking company. Based on its findings, the company created an interactive map that indicates the most dangerous day to drive in each individual state. Click here to access the map.

Geotab researchers also found that July, August and September are the most dangerous months in which to drive, with each registering an average fatal crash rate of 12.

The top 10 most dangerous states for road deaths are Montana, South Carolina, West Virginia, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota, according to the study.

Ad Loading...

In its research, Geotab relied on road traffic, crash and fatality reports, including the Fatality Analysis Reporting System and Traffic Volume Trends — databases managed by agencies within the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Using this data, Geotab calculated a fatal crash rate for each day and U.S. state, made up of the total number of fatal road accidents per billion miles driven by cars, trucks and motorcycles.

Source: Geotab.

More Safety

Close-up of a Jeep Wrangler front grille and headlight with text noting Stellantis’ recall of 1.3 million Jeep vehicles worldwide over a potential fire risk tied to power steering wiring.
Safetyby StaffJune 10, 2026

Stellantis Recalls 1.3 Million Jeep Vehicles Worldwide Over Fire Risk

Stellantis is recalling more than 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models worldwide over a fire risk linked to power steering pump wiring.

Read More →
Road signs pointing to “Safe” and “Risky” beside a glowing AI network graphic, illustrating the role of artificial intelligence in driver safety, coaching, training, and risk management.
SafetyJune 10, 2026

Coaching Is Not Training, Even When AI Is Doing It

AI-powered safety platforms can detect risky behaviors and deliver immediate feedback. But effective driver development still requires a foundation of training followed by coaching that reinforces those skills.

Read More →
Driver resting in a vehicle seat, illustrating the dangers of fatigue and the importance of driver wellness, rest, and alertness for safe fleet and roadway operations.
Safetyby Judie NuskeyJune 9, 2026

How Emotions Behind the Wheel Can Affect Fleet Safety

During National Safety Month, fleets are encouraged to look beyond distracted driving and recognize how stress, fatigue, and emotional well-being influence driver performance and crash risk.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and red Automotive Fleet graphic calling for nominations for the fleet safety award.
Safetyby Faith HowellJune 4, 2026

Nominations Open for 2026 Fleet Safety Award

Nominations have officially opened for the 2026 Fleet Safety Award Winner.

Read More →
wheel geotab image
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter

Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.

Read More →
A person holding a clipboard and writing on an inspection checklist beside the wheel of a large white vehicle, likely conducting a fleet or safety inspection.
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Cameras, Safety and Insurance: From Reactive Claims to Real-time Prevention

Commercial auto remains one of the most challenging and costly lines of coverage for fleet operators and insurers alike. Learn more about how to effectively address these issues from Onur Aksan, Enterprise Business Development Executive, Geotab.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Fleet Forward Conference graphic representing the safety symposium.
Safetyby Chris BrownMay 29, 2026

NAFA Fleet Safety Symposium to Collocate With 2026 Fleet Forward Conference

The daylong certificate program will precede the Fleet Forward Conference at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland.

Read More →
A person with hands on the steering wheel driving
Safetyby Judie NuskeyMay 15, 2026

The Distractions You Can’t Turn Off: What Drivers Face Outside the Vehicle

Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.

Read More →
Hail covers the windshield and hood of a black vehicle with text overlay about FLASH Weather AI’s new hail prediction model.
Safetyby News/Media ReleaseMay 13, 2026

FLASH Weather AI Launches First Deep-Learning Hail Prediction Model With High-Resolution Forecasting

FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Coca-Cola fleet executive smiling beside graphic text reading “Rolling Dollar Signs” about the company’s trucking and fleet strategy.
Safetyby Chris BrownMay 12, 2026

How Coca-Cola United Protects Its Fleet from Growing Legal Risk

As litigation risk rises, vehicles are increasingly targeted. This Coca-Cola bottler shares how it’s reducing exposure through driver training, technology, and a proactive risk management approach.

Read More →