Crime & Safety
Fourth of July is the Deadliest Holiday on the Roads
Drive carefully this weekend. The Minnesota State Patrol said there have been 19 traffic deaths on this date in the past five years.
The vehicle is packed, your children are in their car seats and you’re ready to head to your Fourth of July fun. It’s time to concentrate on the roads.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) warns that the Fourth of July has been the deadliest holiday in Minnesota.
That’s due to “the 19 road deaths on the holiday during the last five years.” Thirteen of those deaths were due to drunk driving, according to the DPS.
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Travel days around the Fourth of July are traditionally dangerous on Minnesota roads. From 2008 to 2012, “There were 29 deaths during the official holiday travel period of which 19 were drunk-driving related.”
“DPS officials are stressing that motorists buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention, be patient, drive well-rested and plan ahead for a sober ride.”
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You can check real-time traffic updates on the Minnesota Department of Transportation website or follow the MnDOT traffic Twitter feed.
There are a lot of road construction projects in the Twin Cities, so allow extra time if you plan to travel on one of those roads.
We hope you have a wonderful holiday with your friends and family.
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