Safety continues to be emphasized for all community members as the July 4 holiday approaches.
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 about 38% in deaths and about 52% in injuries respectively compared to 2023.
There were an estimated 1,700 emergency room treated injuries in 2024 involving sparklers.
Adults ages 25 to 44 accounted for the largest share of reported injuries (32%), followed by people ages 15 to 24 (24%).
The most frequently injured body parts were hands and fingers (36%) and head, face, and ears (22%).
Burns were the most common injury, making up 37% of all emergency room visits.
Nearly 90 percent of wildfires in Texas are human-caused, and Independence Day consistently ranks among the top days for wildfire starts. Simple precautions can help prevent holiday celebrations from turning dangerous.
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public show hosted by professionals. If you plan to set off your own fireworks, please follow these safety tips: Before you celebrate, always check with local government officials for any burn bans or other restrictions. Be sure to comply with all restrictions.
Read and follow all warnings and instruction labels on fireworks.
Use fireworks only under close adult supervision and in safe areas away from structures, dry grass and brush.
Keep a hose, bucket of water and wet towels nearby in case of a malfunction or fire.
Dispose of used fireworks in a bucket of water.
Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.
Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
Follow all instructions and warnings on fireworks and never hold them in hand unless instructions specify to do so.
To help prevent wildfires during hot and dry conditions, follow these additional tips: Avoid parking and idling in tall, dry grass.
Catalytic converters can get hot enough to ignite the grass under a vehicle.
Ensure chains and other metal parts aren’t dragging from your vehicle—they throw sparks.
Avoid placing your grill near flammable vegetation or materials, never leave your grill unattended, and ensure coals are completely extinguished when you are done.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is stepping up enforcement efforts for the Fourth of July holiday to keep everyone safe on the roads, including Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (CARE), which runs July 3-6.
Operation CARE is a specialized campaign in which Texas Highway Patrol Troopers patrol for drivers who are speeding, intoxicated, not complying with Texas’Move Over, Slow Down law or violating other laws.
During last year’s Fourth of July enforcement campaign, Troopers issued more than 59,521 citations and warnings, including 5,178 for speeding; 1,581 for no insurance; and more than 335 for individuals without seat belts or child seat restraints. DPS also arrested 212 people on DWI charges and 250 people for other felony charges.
DPS encourages the public to follow these safety tips during Fourth of July weekend and beyond: Don’t drink and drive. Make alternate plans if you are consuming alcohol.
Move Over or Slow Down for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. Show the same courtesy to fellow drivers who are stopped on the side of the road. So far in 2024, there have been more than 7,044 Move Over, Slow Down violations. Buckle up everyone in the vehicle — it’s the law.
Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones.
Eliminate distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices.
Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped.
If you’re using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it so you can keep your eyes on the road.
Drive defensively, as holiday travel can present additional challenges.
On multi-lane roads, use the left lane for passing only.
Not only is it courteous driving and avoids impeding traffic, Texas law requires slower traffic to keep to the right and to use the left lane for passing only (when posted).
Don’t cut in front of large trucks and try not to brake quickly in front of them. They can’t maneuver as easily as passenger vehicles and pickup trucks.
If you can Steer It, Clear It: If you are involved in a non-injury crash and your vehicle can be moved, clear the traffic lanes to minimize traffic impact.
Leaving vehicles in a traffic lane increases traffic congestion and leaves those involved with an increased risk of harm or a secondary wreck.
On some highways, if you don’t move your vehicle when it’s safe to do so, it’s against the law.
Keep the Texas Roadside Assistance number stored in your phone. Dial 1-800-525-5555 for any type of assistance. The number can also be found on the back of a Texas Driver License.
Check your vehicle to make sure it is properly maintained and always ensure your cargo is secure.
Report road hazards or anything suspicious to the nearest law enforcement agency.
Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you are traveling. For road conditions and closures in Texas, visit Drive Texas.