MARS Coalition Calls on Policymakers to Make Roads Safer Ahead of the Fourth of July

Record-high number of Americans set to travel this Fourth of July underscores the urgency, importance of proactive measures to reduce traffic, speeding, and distracted driving

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – As tens of millions of Americans nationwide prepare to travel over the Fourth of July holiday, the Modern Analytics for Roadway Safety (MARS) Coalition, is calling on transportation decision-makers to support safer, smarter, and more efficient roads.

“Each year, millions of Americans hit the road to celebrate the Fourth of July with their loved ones. Sadly, each year, hundreds of drivers do not safely reach their destination,” said MARS Coalition Executive Director Andrew Rogers. “A record number of drivers are expected to hit the road this year. Every road safety warning is a stark reminder that America’s leaders can—and should—use the tools at our disposal to prevent traffic crashes and save lives.”

The Fourth of July is widely considered one of the deadliest holidays for drivers. With a record number of drivers on the road this year, new statistics highlight just how hazardous the upcoming holiday weekend may be for drivers:

• AAA is projecting that more than 61 million people will travel by car this weekend.
• Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) estimates that distracted driving increases by 12 percent on Independence Day compared to similar days in the surrounding weeks. CMT also predicts speeding to surge, with drivers speeding 46 percent more than on similar days.
• From 2019 to 2023, there were 2,653 people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period. 

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“We have the data and tools that can help us improve the flow of traffic, pinpoint risky areas, and make future July 4^th weekends safer for all drivers. It’s critical that federal, state, and local leaders embrace those proactive measures to prevent crashes and save lives in their communities,” Rogers continued. “We have the tools, and policymakers hold the keys. The time to act is now.”

Innovations like telematics, AI, and predictive analytics can help lower this risk by identifying prevalent driving risks and even predicting crashes before they happen. The MARS Coalition is encouraging U.S. policymakers to empower state and local officials, planners, and law enforcement to utilize cutting-edge insights to optimize road and highway design and prioritize life-saving investments nationwide.

About Modern Analytics for Roadway Safety (MARS) Coalition

Modern Analytics for Roadway Safety (MARS) is a coalition of industry leaders, safety advocates, and technology innovators focused on leveraging cutting-edge technology to prevent crashes before they occur. By utilizing telematics, artificial intelligence, and predictive analytics, MARS empowers policymakers to implement solutions that curb dangerous driving behaviors, optimize infrastructure design, and save lives.

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