Medical experts warn about July 4th health hazards, as ERs see peak visits from fireworks injuries, alcohol accidents, burns, heat exhaustion and drowning. Injuries and deaths from fireworks helped create a movement for a "Safe and Sane" Fourth of July. Milwaukee got in on it, too, if a little late. More than 70 million Americans are expected to travel around the Fourth of July holiday, with traffic and accidents likely to spike as a result. And while injuries have decreased since 2020, As July 4th celebrations near, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging the public to prioritize fireworks safety. Mishandling fireworks can turn celebration into tragedy. In 2024, there were 11 reported fireworks-related deaths, most involving misuse and device misfire/malfunctions. The Fourth of July marks America’s historic declaration of independence from British rule. While the Revolutionary War didn’t end until 1783, July 4th has since become a symbol of freedom and celebration. It’s a day many Americans look forward to with barbecues, fireworks, and patriotic festivities. But behind the red, white, and blue is a stark reality, this holiday has consistently Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and James Monroe all died on July 4—and the first two went within five hours of each other. An annual block party in Shreveport, Louisiana, turned deadly late Tuesday when a number of armed people unleashed a barrage of gunfire at an annual Fourth of July block party, police said. Shootings and other violence during the extended Fourth of July weekend have left at least 33 people dead, including 11 in Chicago, and injured dozens more nationwide, authorities said. The Fourth of July historically is one of the nation’s deadliest days of the year. From deadly car crashes to fireworks injuries and food poisoning, Independence Day consistently ranks as the U.S.’s riskiest holiday. In this guide, we break down the biggest dangers Americans face on July 4th, backed by statistics, and provide practical, expert-approved tips to stay safe. OKLA. — As the Fourth of July approaches, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is emphasizing the importance of fireworks safety to prevent celebrations from turning tragic. In A sharp spike in the number of fireworks-related injuries last year sparked renewed warnings from the nation's top consumer safety watchdog as fireworks usage increases around July 4th revelry The San Antonio Police Department also shared statistics with KSAT about DWI-related crashes and overall traffic deaths during previous Fourth of July weekends. WASHINGTON, D.C. – As July 4th celebrations near, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging the public to prioritize fireworks safety. Mishandling fireworks can turn celebration into tragedy. In 2024, there were 11 reported fireworks-related deaths, most involving misuse and device misfire/malfunctions. Between 1986-2002, July 4th was consistently the day with the highest number of car crash deaths each year. The day with the 2nd highest number of deaths was July 3rd, at 149. As has been pertinently remarked, it is probable more people have been killed and maimed on July 4 since the establishment of this country's independence than were hurt by the British forces which attempted to shut off the present noisy celebrations. And were Cornwallis and Burgoyne living to-day During the last 10 years, it showed that Independence Day have the highest accident statistics. A total of 2743 deaths are occurring annually in the USA on the 4 th of July. The second highest death rate is on the 3 rd of July with an annual death rate of 2 534. This is for accidents alone. As July 4th celebrations near, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging the public to prioritize fireworks safety. Mishandling fireworks can turn celebration into tragedy. In 2024, there were 11 reported fireworks-related deaths, most involving misuse and device misfire/malfunctions. An estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks last year – a sharp increase of 4th of July celebrations often lead to an increase in fatal impaired driving and boating crashes. In 2023, drunk driving caused 233 deaths, or 38% of all traffic fatalities, during the 4th of July holiday period, according to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). State law enforcement agencies will crack down on driving under the influence over the Fourth of July weekend, according to a news release from the Colorado Department of Transportation. Colorado State Patrol and 51 local DUI Fatalities on the Fourth of July Compared to Other Major Holiday According to the study, there were 1,192 deaths caused by drunk driving accidents on the Fourth of July from 2010 to 2017. Compared to the number of DUI-related fatalities on Memorial Day weekend, there were 87 more on Independence Day.
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