{"id":12431,"date":"2019-07-03T17:55:53","date_gmt":"2019-07-03T17:55:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.etags.com\/blog\/?p=12431"},"modified":"2026-01-12T14:51:40","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T14:51:40","slug":"4th-of-july-driving-safety-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.etags.com\/blog\/4th-of-july-driving-safety-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 9 Safety Driving Tips For A Great 4th Of July"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Independence Day is right around the corner. And you are probably planning to celebrate this federal holiday with friends and family.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

No matter what your plan is, safety should always be part of the experience.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

While you are still trying to finalize arrangements, let us help you identify several ways to improve your safety while on the road.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

From distracted driving to defensive driving, you are responsible for following our holiday driving tips accordingly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Are you hitting the road this 4th<\/sup> of July? Here are 10 safety driving tips that will help you work on your safety behind the wheel.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

1. Map your journey smartly<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Patriotic Americans have everything already figured it out when it comes to celebrating Independence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

As meticulous as you are about your celebration, make sure you plan out your journey to avoid unnecessary road hassles that could disrupt your drive.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Using smartphone apps like Waze could help you map your journey in a way that you tackle congestion smartly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

2. Check your car before you leave<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you are planning a long drive, you should first consider tuning up your vehicle for a safer experience.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You could start by checking your car\u2019s engine, tires, wipers, and oil fluid levels to name a few.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Though some people aren\u2019t as savvy as others when it comes to car maintenance. Thus, refer to your local car mechanic for a proper inspection prior to celebrating 4th<\/sup> of July.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

3. What happened to the seat belt rule?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Before starting your vehicle, you must wear your seat belt to help you reduce the impact of any possible crash.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You could even safe your live by simply buckling up. And you should share this advice with your passengers, especially when driving with kids.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The Centers for Disease Control<\/a> (CDC) reported that seat belts reduce deaths and injuries by around 50%.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

With that being said, wear a seat belt at all times and make it a habit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

4. Please, don\u2019t drunk drive!<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Let\u2019s be clear. Drunk driving is a serious problem on festive days. In 2017, 237 Americans<\/a> lost their lives owing to drunk-driving related crashes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In response, the NHTSA shared the following: \u201cBuzzed Driving is Drunk Driving,\u201d and \u201cIf You Feel Different, You Drive Different.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you are planning to drink on 4th<\/sup> of July, make sure you select a designated driver. Not only will you protect yourself, but also keep your loved ones out of danger.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

5. Do not exceed the speed limit or drive slower<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Adjust your speed to the speed of traffic. This applies to days in which the roads are crowded with people going in different directions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you are leaving a little earlier to avoid traffic, make sure you follow the posted speed limit signs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Those signs exist for a reason and you should never ignore them. Remember that you are driving on an adventure with your loved ones. There is no need to race.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

6. Driving while drowsy is never safe<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Driving while drowsy can be as dangerous as drunk driving.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In the US, about 100,000 police-reported car accidents<\/a> are associated with drowsy driving every year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

For that reason, sleep at least 7 to 8 hours the day before your road trip to avoid nodding off while on the road.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In addition, if you become drowsy while driving, it is best to safely pull off the road and take a nap.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

7. Avoid distracted driving<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

From using your phone to track your route to holding your breakfast burrito, multi-tasking doesn\u2019t translate well when driving.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

According to a recent study<\/a>, Americans spent 10.8 minutes of every hour on the road using their phones on 4th<\/sup> of July, 2018, compared to 10.08 in 2017.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It seems that people are devoting more time to their phones. But driving is a challenging task that requires full attention.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Hence, avoid distracted driving by looking straight ahead and watching for road users and hazards around you.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

8. Be cautious when rural driving<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The NHTSA also reported that a significant amount of crashes occurs in rural locations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You are advised to take this concern more seriously by driving cautiously. Even if that means adjusting your speed and increasing your following distance to avoid unexpected maneuvers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Rural driving may sound easier than urban driving, but every road scenario comes with its challenges.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

9. Defensive driving is the safest choice<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Your ability to remain safe while driving highly depends on your knowledge about defensive driving.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Defensive driving means operating a vehicle in a way that everyone is safe.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It is a skill that helps you stay safe from other drivers who aren\u2019t portraying acceptable driving skills.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

There are different ways in which you could apply defensive driving. Here is a list of practices you may want to put in action this 4th<\/sup> of july:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n