The Fourth of July is one of the best days of summer: parades, backyard barbecues, lake trips and fireworks over the town square. It is also one of the riskiest days of the year to be behind the wheel. Crowded roads, late-night drives, alcohol and plenty of distractions all pile up at once. With a little planning, you can enjoy the celebration and still get everyone home in one piece.

Why This Holiday Is So Hard on Drivers

Several risk factors that normally show up one at a time all converge over the Fourth. Millions of families take to the road at once, many of them on unfamiliar routes. Celebrations often include alcohol and stretch late into the night. And when the sun goes down, the sky lights up with bright flashes and loud booms that pull attention away from the road.

Add summer construction zones, heat that strains vehicles, and neighborhoods full of people walking to watch the show, and you have a day when defensive driving really pays off.

Plan Your Timing

Traffic analysts consistently find that the afternoon of the holiday itself, and the afternoon before, are among the most congested windows. A few strategies help:

• Leave in the morning. Getting on the road before midday usually means lighter traffic and cooler temperatures.
• Consider an off-peak day. If you have flexibility, traveling a day earlier or later can make a big difference.
• Head home before the late-night crowd. Leaving a fireworks show a little early, or waiting until the parking lot clears, helps you avoid the crush of exiting cars.
• Check conditions before you go. A navigation app can flag crashes and work zones so you can reroute.

Distractions to Expect After Dark

Even if you’re not watching the fireworks, plenty of other drivers will be. Some slow down suddenly, pull onto shoulders or stop on overpasses for a better view. Keep your eyes on the road and leave extra following distance.

Fireworks also create smoke that can hang over roads and reduce visibility. Loud bursts startle animals, so be ready for a deer or a panicked dog to dart across the road.

On residential streets, expect cars parked on both sides, yard games spilling toward the curb, and children running between houses. Slow down well below the posted limit where people are gathered, and watch for small figures stepping out from between parked vehicles.

Alcohol and the Road

Alcohol slows reaction time, blurs judgment and makes it harder to judge speed and distance. Those effects start well before someone feels drunk. If your plans include drinking, make the decision about getting home before you have the first one:

• Choose a designated driver who agrees to stay sober all evening
• Schedule a rideshare or taxi, and expect longer wait times and surge pricing
• Plan to stay overnight with the host if that’s an option
• If you’re hosting, offer plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks, and help guests find safe rides

Even if you’re completely sober, you share the road with people who aren’t. Be cautious at intersections and don’t assume another car will stop at a red light or stop sign. Watch for drifting between lanes, wide turns or unusually slow speeds, and give those drivers plenty of room. If you see someone you believe is impaired, pull over safely and call 911.

Get Your Car Ready for the Heat

Long drives in July heat put extra stress on tires, cooling systems and the battery. A breakdown on a crowded highway is uncomfortable and can be dangerous.

1. Check your tires. Set the pressure to the number on the driver’s door jamb while the tires are cool, and look for worn tread or bulges.
2. Top off fluids. Coolant, oil, brake fluid and washer fluid should all be at proper levels.
3. Test the air conditioning. If it’s blowing weak or warm, have it looked at before the trip. A struggling system often quits on the hottest day.
4. Look at lights and wipers. You may be driving home late or into a summer thunderstorm.
5. Restock the emergency kit. Pack extra water, sunscreen, a hat, bug spray, a first aid kit, a flashlight and a blanket for shade or to sit on.

Fireworks in the Car? Think Twice

If you’re bringing consumer fireworks to a gathering, keep them in their packaging in the trunk, away from heat and direct sun. Never leave them in a hot passenger cabin, and know the rules where you’re going, since fireworks laws vary widely from state to state and town to town.

If Something Happens on the Road

Should you be involved in a crash, move to safety if you can, call 911 if anyone is hurt, and exchange information with the other driver. Take photos of the scene and the vehicles. Then contact your insurer to report it. How your policy responds depends on your coverages and the circumstances, so it helps to know what you carry before you head out. If you’re unsure, Callicott Insurance Agency can review your auto policy with you before the holiday.

This article is for general information only. Coverage varies by insurer, policy and state; review your own policy or talk with a licensed agent about your situation.