Safe Travel Tips for the 4th of July Holiday Weekend
ST. PAUL — As the statewide July DWI enforcement crackdown prepares to blast off over the Independence Day holiday weekend, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) urges safe driving during one of the deadliest holiday travel periods of the year. In the last three years on Minnesota roads (2004–2006), 30 people were killed surrounding the holiday and 16 of the victims were killed in alcohol-related crashes.

In addition to the fatalities, another 89 motorists suffered serious, life-altering injuries in traffic crashes. Alcohol-related crashes contributed to 34 of these injuries.
4th of July Traffic Stats — Deaths, Alcohol-Related Deaths and DWI Arrests:
• 2004: 10 deaths, 2 alcohol-related; 579 DWI arrests
• 2005: 12 deaths, 11 alcohol-related; 655 DWI arrests
• 2006: 8 deaths, 3 alcohol-related; 842 DWI arrests

DPS reminds motorists to follow these safe driving tips to keep Minnesota roads — and fellow travelers — safe:

 Buckle up — A seat belt is the best defense in case of a crash and on roads plagued with speeding, distracted and impaired drivers.

 Pay attention — Stay focused on driving, especially as more vehicles will be on the road. Delegate control of music, air conditioning and phones to passengers.

 Drive at safe speeds — Summer is the deadliest time on Minnesota roads largely due to motorists traveling at dangerous speeds, resulting in more violent crashes. Determine enough travel time in advance to avoid the urge to speed.

 Use a designated driver — If you plan on drinking, plan on a safe and sober ride.

 Drive well-rested — Use rest-stops, rotate drivers and be patient.
 
 Fireworks, legal or illegal, transported in a vehicle are potentially hazardous in the case of a crash or if accidentally ignited.

 Move over a lane for emergency responders on the shoulders of roads and reduce speeds in work zones.