Staying Safe on Chicago's Roads This Fourth of July
- AMG
- Jul 5
- 3 min read
The Fourth of July is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year in Chicago. Between fireworks displays, lakefront gatherings, cookouts, and family celebrations, the roads fill up fast, and so do the risks. For young and new drivers especially, a holiday that is meant to be fun can turn dangerous quickly without a little preparation.
At Automotive Mentoring Group, safety has always been at the center of what we do. This Fourth of July, we want to share a few reminders that can help young drivers, and the families who love them, celebrate safely.
Traffic Peaks and Patience Runs Thin
The Fourth of July consistently ranks among the most dangerous holidays for drivers nationwide, and Chicago is no exception. Downtown streets, lakefront routes, and highways leading out of the city get congested fast, especially in the hours leading up to fireworks.
Leave earlier than usual for any drive near the lakefront or downtown. Expect road closures around major firework displays and check the city's posted routes ahead of time. Stay alert for pedestrians, since holiday crowds often mean people crossing streets outside of crosswalks.
Fireworks and Distraction Behind the Wheel
Illegal fireworks are unfortunately common in Chicago neighborhoods around this time of year, and sudden bursts of light or sound near the road can startle drivers or cause a moment of distraction at the worst time. Keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, even when fireworks are going off nearby. Never attempt to light or launch fireworks from a vehicle or roadway.
What To Do During a Traffic Stop
Holiday weekends often mean an increased police presence, including DUI checkpoints and patrols. This is exactly why we built the Good Stop Program, in honor of Chicago Police Officer Ella French, to help young drivers understand what a safe, respectful traffic stop looks like for everyone involved.
If you are pulled over, these ten guidelines protect you and the officer.
Stay calm at all times.
Keep your hands on the steering wheel.
Stay inside your vehicle.
Always provide documents requested.
Provide information to any questions asked.
Make note of the name of the officer.
Do not become combative with the officer.
Always stay respectful.
When possible, pull over out of traffic in a well lit area.
Notify the officer if you are a licensed gun owner with a current concealed carry license, and keep any legal firearms out of plain sight.
Talking through these steps ahead of time, rather than the first time it happens, makes a real difference. Let's all remember that at the end of a traffic stop, the officer just wants to go home, and so do you.
Plan Ahead If Alcohol Is Involved
The Fourth of July sees one of the highest rates of drunk driving related crashes of any holiday in the country. If any celebration involves drinking, the safest plan is made before the car keys ever leave the house. Designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or plan to stay overnight rather than risk the drive home. This applies just as much to the adults in a young driver's life, since kids learn far more from what they see than what they are told.
Heat and Vehicle Safety
Summer heat brings its own risks. Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a few minutes, since interior temperatures can climb dangerously fast. Check tire pressure before long drives, since heat causes tires to expand and increases blowout risk on the highway.
Since 2007, AMG Has Been Committed to Safer Roads
For nearly two decades, Automotive Mentoring Group has worked to give young drivers in the Chicago area the tools and confidence they need behind the wheel. Through programs like Good Stop, we have had the privilege of reaching approximately 1,500 young people, helping them build safer habits that last well beyond their first years of driving.
This Fourth of July, we hope every family stays safe, celebrates responsibly, and comes home together. From all of us at AMG, happy Fourth of July.
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