Happy Birthday America! Be safe on the roads this weekend!

While majority of America hits the road today and this weekend to visit many friends and loved ones, Independence Day happens to be one of the more traveled days out of the year and as a result, traffic dangers and gas prices, among many other things, skyrocket.

For instance, according to AAA, gas prices will be at their highest peak in six years, mostly due to rising tension in the Middle East. Motorists should expect a national average of around $3.60 to $3.70 per gallon compared to last year’s average, $3.48. Additionally, AAA estimates that around 34.8 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more this weekend, despite the hike in gas prices–a 1.9% increase from last year’s Fourth of July and a 14% increase over Memorial Day.

Another rather attention-grabbing statistic is the climb in drunk driving following the consumption of alcohol and barbecue whilst celebrating–there’s nothing wrong with having a good time, just keep it off the roads until you’re sober (obviously). Unfortunately, due to our desire to celebrate our country’s birth with a bang, Independence Day happens to be the single deadliest day on American roads as of recent. Between 2008 and 2012, 637 Americans were killed from holiday-related accidents on the road, according to spokesperson Russ Rader, for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

So from us at egmCarTech, have a happy and above all, safe Fourth of July weekend.

Source: AutoBlog