The 100 deadliest days of summer: Why July 4 is the riskiest day to drive

The 100 deadliest days of summer: Why July 4 is the riskiest day to drive frames summer as the year’s highest-risk stretch on U.S. roads, citing AAA’s “100 Deadliest Days” period from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The article says that more than 30% of fatal crashes involving teen drivers occur during those 100 days, and highlights that July 4 is typically the single deadliest day. Using IIHS data for 2019–2023, it reports an average of 145 traffic-related deaths per year on July 4, with a five-year total of 724. It adds that teen-involved crashes during summer average eight deaths per day versus seven on a typical day the rest of the year. It also notes 2025 vehicle thefts fell to 659,880 nationwide, down 23% from 2024, while flash floods, tire blowouts, overheated engines, construction zones, and distraction remain key hazards. The piece references CarInsurance.com guidance on pretrip inspections and risk mitigation.