New Study Reveals July 4th Deadliest Day on America's Roads; July 3rd is the Second Deadliest
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif.--July 1, 2004--| On the Heels of a Study from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 21st Century Insurance Issues Holiday Driving Tips and Reminds Illinoisans to "Just Drive" |
A disturbing trend, tracked over 17 years, indicates that 17 Illinois travelers may lose their lives this Independence Day weekend in motor vehicle accidents. Today, 21st Century Insurance and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced the findings of a study that shows July 4th to be the deadliest day of the year on America's roads, followed closely by July 3rd and July 2nd.
The statistics, compiled from the federal Fatality Analysis reporting system by the IIHS, showed a marked increase in deadly crashes on or around national holidays, with a surprising emphasis around Independence Day. Across America, July 4th proves to be the deadliest day on our nation's roadways with an average of 161 motor vehicle fatalities. This is followed closely by 149 deaths on July 3 and 138 on July 2. The daily national average is 117 deaths per day.
In Illinois, the IIHS analysis showed that on average, 6 lives are lost on the roads on July 4. It also showed an average of 6 lives being lost on July 3 and 5 fatalities on July 2.
"The loss of life over holidays is tragic and we can reduce them with some common sense efforts," said Ed Combs, Senior Vice President of 21st Century Insurance. "That's why we encourage people to avoid distractions while driving, focus on safety, and to `Just Drive' this Independence Day weekend."
Key factors in the higher than average number of fatalities include alcohol and increased traffic on the road. The data showed alcohol played a role in forty-one percent of the July 4 crash deaths, as opposed to thirty-three percent on Christmas, another holiday traditionally associated with extensive highway driving.
"While more deaths do occur on some of the holidays, the toll of fatalities is relentless every day, all year long," said Allan Williams, Chief Scientist at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
21st Century Insurance began offering policies in Illinois in 2004. It launched the "Just Drive" Campaign in 2002 with billboards and public safety brochures to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities. This Independence Day weekend, they are encouraging motorists to follow the following proven safe driving tactics:
-- Do not drink and drive. Forty-one percent of motor vehicle fatalities this July 4th weekend will be related to driving under the influence.
-- Allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
-- Make sure your children are secured properly in a child safety seat. For tips on child safety seat installation, go to www.21st.com for a free downloadable guide or contact your local CHP office to arrange an inspection.
-- Do not tailgate on the highways and monitor your speed.
-- Focus on the road in front of you. Try to avoid distracting behavior like eating, speaking on the phone, or turning around to the rear of the car while driving.
-- Drive cautiously and do not challenge aggressive drivers.
According to the IIHS analysis, the 10 deadliest days of the year on our nation's roads are:
Date Total Deaths 1986-2002 Average Per Day
July 4 2,743 161
July 3 2,534 149
December 23 2,470 145
August 3 2,413 142
January 1 2,411 142
August 6 2,387 140
August 4 2,365 139
August 12 2,359 139
July 2 2,340 138
September 2 2,336 137
Average Daily Deaths 117
In Illinois, the IIHS Data showed:
Date Total Deaths 1986-2002 Average Per Day July 2 88 5 July 3 101 6 July 4 95 6
"Auto accidents are the leading cause of death among children and claim far too many adult lives as well. It is up to all of us to do what we can to make our roads as safe as possible and watch out for each other as we celebrate Independence Day," added Combs.
Founded in 1958, 21st Century Insurance Group provides personal automobile insurance to customers in California, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. 21st provides a superior combination of policy features and customer service at a competitive price. Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, customers have the option to purchase insurance, service their policy or report a claim over the phone directly through our centralized licensed insurance agents at 1-800-211-SAVE or through the Company's full-service Web site at www.21st.com. Service is also provided at the Company's neighborhood centers during normal business hours. 21st Century Insurance Company is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best and A+ by Standard & Poor's.
