As the Independence Day holiday weekend approaches, vacations are in the plans of most Americans nationwide. In fact, the American Automobile Association estimates 40.8 million Americans will travel 50 miles or further during the holiday, with more than 34 million traveling by automobile.
Despite the high volume of travelers across the nation, Independence Day 2013 will have fewer vehicles on the road in North Carolina. According to AAA, about 988,500 state residents will be on the road traveling for the Independence Day holiday, a 2 percent decrease from last year. The decline in drivers on the road can be attributed to higher gas prices and a shorter holiday than in 2012.
Currently, the average price for regular unleaded gas in North Carolina is $3.37, up from last year’s $3.18. Also, in 2012, Independence Day fell on Wednesday, resulting in a six-day holiday travel period. This year, the travel period loses a day because the holiday falls on a Thursday.
Still, dangers lie on the road, and several entities are doing their part to help minimize the damage. The Highway Patrol, Alcohol Law Enforcement Division and the Wildlife Resource Commission are teaming up in an effort to save lives with an “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink & Drive” campaign. Last year, there were a reported 913 injured and 88 deaths due to drunk driving in the summer. Independence Day is considered the deadliest day of the year and in North Carolina, there were 22 collisions and 10 fatalities on July 4, 2012.
“Independence Day is the deadliest day because of drunk driving,” AAA Carolinas Public Relations Manager Angela Vogel Daley said. “Drunk driving is about a third of all road fatalities, but the percentage goes up on holiday weekends, especially on July 4. There are so many celebrations involving alcohol that increase drunk drivers on road.”
First Sgt. Jeff Gordon — Public Information Officer with the N.C. Department of Public Safety — said the program started a couple years ago, and has made some progress in increasing safety. State troopers, Alcohol Law Enforcement officers and Wildlife Resource officers will have checkpoints near parks and water recreational areas as a means to stop drunk drivers from wreaking possible havoc on the roads and highways.
“North Carolina has plenty of recreational activities at the mountains, coast and oceans,” Gordon said. “Some people go boating and drink, which causes problems on water and especially on the highway. Having a boat and trailer causes more issue and a greater chance of a severe accident if the driver is impaired. We want everyone to have a good time, but want them to be responsible as well.”
Overall, there were 278 fatal collisions and more than 8,500 injuries on the road during last year’s summer season. AAA Carolinas Traffic Safety Manager Whitney Berongi has several tips for travelers.
“We recommend that people who taking long road trips, should stop every 2-3 hours to refresh their minds and not fall asleep on the road,” Berongi said. “Also, notice the speed limit and minimize distractions as much as possible.”
One of the distractions on the road involves electronic devices. Although vehicles and roads are safer, according to Daley, deaths are still high because of phones and GPS systems.
“We’re seeing safer roads and vehicles than 20 years ago, but the influx of texting and talking on cell phones, using social media and messing with GPS systems on the road all contribute to more deaths on the road,” Daley said.
Any citizens who see crashes, drunk drivers, stranded motorists or other highway situations can inform the Highway Patrol by dialing *47. The toll-free call will connect a concerned citizen with the nearest Highway Patrol communications center.
Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.
Traffic Tips
Take breaks every two-to-three hours on the road to restore the mind and stretch
Pay attention to the speed limit signs
Have an emergency kit. Items that should be in it are bottled water, non-perishable food, reflective triangles, jumper cables, a car charger, flashlight and first aid
Do routine maintenance on your vehicle before taking a long trip. Make sure to check tire treads and fluid levels
Minimize distractions as much as possible
Plan ahead with events, especially those with alcohol
If alcohol is consumed at a celebration, don’t get behind the wheel. Instead, have a designated driver or call a cab
Sources: Whitney Berongi, AAA Carolinas Traffic Safety Manager and Angela Vogel Daley, AAA Carolinas Public Relations Manager