Historic Crowds and Rising DUI Crashes During America’s 250th Celebration
America’s 250th anniversary was expected to become one of the largest coordinated celebrations in the nation’s history. Events are planned in every state, U.S. territory and the District of Columbia, with national programming scheduled from July 1 through July 5. But the celebration will occur during one of the deadliest periods of the year on American roads. An analysis by The Millar Law Firm found that Independence Day traffic risks have intensified over the past decade. Fatal DUI crashes associated with the holiday increased by an average of 6.3% annually between 2014 and 2023, far outpacing increases during Memorial Day and Labor Day. July Fourth fell on a Saturday in 2026, creating the conditions for a prolonged holiday “super-weekend.” That means several consecutive days of road travel, drinking, outdoor events and nighttime gatherings, followed by large groups of drivers leaving fireworks shows and entertainment venues at approximately the same time. July Fourth...