July 4th: Most Dangerous Driving Day Of The Year

Greensboro, NC -- As people gear up for a holiday weekend, emergency crews are getting ready for their most dangerous day.

The Insurance Institue for Highway Safety says the single most dangerous day of the year to drive is July 4. They say an average of 148 people die in motor vehicle wrecks around the country, compared to 114 on the average day.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is helping motorists save time and money by suspending most road construction on major routes across the state.

Three expections include I-40 in Greensboro due to the Bridford Parkway Bridge, US-17 in Windsoe and Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh. Travelers should also expect delays on I-40 westbound in Haywood County due to rock stabilization efforts.

Here are some additional tips for navigating the highways during busy holiday travel seasons: 

-- Leave early to get a head start on your drive. Travel at non-peak hours when possible. 

-- Stay alert. Even if work is suspended, you may encounter narrowed lanes and traffic shifts in work zone areas. 

-- Be patient and obey the posted speed limit. The penalty for speeding through a marked work zone is $250. 

-- Use alternate routes, when possible, to avoid traffic congestion.

-- Stay informed. Real-time travel information is available over the phone by dialing 511, or online at www.ncdot.gov/travel. NCDOT also now offers Twitter updates for motorists and ferry passengers (visit www.ncdot.gov/travel for more information).

To help reduce fuel consumption and save money: 

-- Don't rush. "Jack-rabbit" starts and hard braking alone can increase fuel consumption by 40 percent, but reduce travel time by only 4 percent. 

-- Observe the speed limit. Not exceeding 60 miles per hour (where legally allowed) can improve mileage by 7-23 percent. 

-- Use cruise control. Using cruise control on 10,000 miles driven in a year could save you nearly $200 and save more than 60 gallons of fuel, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

-- Remove unnecessary items. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle can reduce your miles per gallon by up to 2 percent. Wind resistance can also reduce mileage so avoid using luggage racks, rooftop carriers and ski racks when they are not needed.

-- Maintain your vehicle. Keeping your tires properly inflated, changing your oil and replacing air filters can all help improve fuel economy.

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