According to Nursa, the second most dangerous holiday is Independence Day, which saw an estimated 47,400 ER visits in 2024, a 14.8% increase in visits from the average day. The main offender of 4th of July injuries is fireworks. According to research, more than half of all fireworks-related injuries in the U.S. happen during the first eight days of July. The most common types of injuries on this holiday include burns (38%), bruises (19%), and cuts (15%). With that is mind, what are the most dangerous states to spend the Fourth of July? Thankfully, Arizona is not among the most dangerous states to spend Fourth of July. The Grand Canyon state ranks as the 17th safest city to spend Independence Day.
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The Most Dangerous States to Spend Independence Day
| Rank | State | Unintentional fatal injury rates per 100k people | Alcohol consumption per person 2023 (gallons) | Excessive drinking rate 2023 | Driving fatalities involving alcohol (2023) | Arrests July 2025 | July 4th car accidents (2024) | July driving accidents (2024) | July car accident increase (2024) | July 4th fires (2025) | Total firework import value ($US) | Max day temperature °F (July 2026) | July 4th Danger Score /10 |
| 1 | North Dakota | 52 | 3.16 | 24.7% | 46.7% | 2,966 | 1 | 380 | 42.86% | 55 | $2,344,100 | 84.2 | 8.88 |
| 2 | Montana | 64 | 3.1 | 21.8% | 46.3% | 2,617 | 1 | 720 | 49.22% | 20 | $3,960,932 | 82.4 | 8.70 |
| 3 | South Dakota | 58 | 2.37 | 17.7% | 35.2% | 3,885 | 4 | 874 | 70.15% | 15 | $11,442,706 | 86.0 | 8.51 |
| 4 | Missouri | 70 | 2.51 | 17.7% | 31.7% | 12,241 | 3 | 2523 | 18.37% | 161 | $72,903,308 | 89.6 | 8.19 |
| 5 | Nebraska | 43 | 2.16 | 20.4% | 35.6% | 4,994 | 1 | 682 | 18.39% | 31 | $9,497,272 | 87.8 | 7.88 |
| 6 | Wisconsin | 71 | 2.93 | 24.5% | 36.9% | 16,351 | 2 | 2310 | -4.73% | 62 | $6,979,960 | 80.6 | 7.86 |
| 7 | Wyoming | 63 | 2.78 | 17.5% | 35.3% | 1,723 | 1 | 280 | -41.18% | 6 | $2,308,312 | 82.4 | 7.63 |
| =8 | Nevada | 59 | 3.42 | 15.8% | 32.8% | 10,059 | 0 | 800 | -20.63% | 49 | $5,368,909 | 105.8 | 7.46 |
| =8 | Oregon | 63 | 2.74 | 18.8% | 32.8% | 10,907 | 0 | 2378 | 41.75% | 143 | $1,321,764 | 80.6 | 7.46 |
| =8 | Colorado | 65 | 2.88 | 19.1% | 34.7% | 16,283 | 1 | 600 | 40.19% | 83 | $469,410 | 82.4 | 7.46 |
| 11 | Tennessee | 90 | 2.14 | 11.2% | 28.0% | 22,667 | 2 | 4465 | 4.30% | 156 | $15,551,791 | 89.6 | 7.42 |
| 12 | Maine | 82 | 2.85 | 19.6% | 39.8% | 2,997 | 0 | 460 | 43.71% | 13 | $360,645 | 78.8 | 7.39 |
| =13 | Idaho | 56 | 2.94 | 15.4% | 32.4% | 4,593 | 0 | 352 | 20.55% | 35 | $1,242,793 | 89.6 | 7.28 |
| =13 | Kentucky | 86 | 1.95 | 16.3% | 28.5% | 14,508 | 2 | 1302 | 12.22% | 62 | $1,981,698 | 87.8 | 7.28 |
| =13 | Washington | 60 | 2.22 | 17.8% | 35.0% | 13,565 | 4 | 3233 | 8.61% | 251 | $7,454,267 | 75.2 | 7.28 |
North Dakota is the most dangerous state this Independence Day
According to Nursa, the most dangerous state to spend Independence Day in is North Dakota, with an 8.88 out of 10 July 4th Danger Score. Festivities in North Dakota are most likely to turn sour with the highest danger score in the US. North Dakotans are the worst state for alcohol-related behaviour, with the third highest amount of alcohol consumption at 3.16 gallons per person a year, the highest excessive drinking rate at 24.7%, and being ranked the worst state for driving fatalities involving alcohol with 46.7%.
Last Fourth of July, North Dakota experienced 55 fires, making it the worst state for fires per 100k people at 6.84. On top of that, July sees car accidents increase by 42.86% compared to the rest of the year.
Montana is the second most dangerous state this Independence Day
Montana is the second most dangerous state to celebrate Independence Day in, with an 8.70 out of 10 July 4th Danger Score. Montana is a popular spot to spend Independence Day, with many choosing its western charm to escape overcrowded celebrations. The state offers many famous parades in towns like Bigfork and Bozeman, and iconic fireworks shows light up the sky in Missoula, Whitefish, and Big Sky.
Montanans are amongst the worst residents for alcohol-related behaviour, with the fourth highest amount of alcohol consumption at 3.1 gallons per person a year, the third highest excessive drinking rate at 21.8%, and the second worst state for driving fatalities involving alcohol with 46.3%. Last Fourth of July, Montana experienced 20 structure fires. On top of that, in 2025, a staggering $3,960,932 worth of fireworks were imported into the state, equating to $3.46 per person.
South Dakotans buy the most fireworks in the US
South Dakota lands in third place with an 8.51 out of 10 July Fourth Danger Score. In 2025, South Dakota imported the highest value of fireworks per person, with $12.29, and a total of $11,442,706. Last July, South Dakotans were arrested the most with 417 arrests per 100k people. This July, both motorists and pedestrians are at high risk, as July sees a 70% increase in accidents in the state compared to other months. This year, July will see a maximum day temperature of 86°F, making South Dakotans at risk of heatstroke, skin damage, and dehydration.
New Jersey is the safest state to spend Independence Day in
On the flip side, New Jersey is the safest state to spend Independence Day in, scoring just 5.04 out of 10. Last Independence Day, New Jersey had 65 fires reported. The state also has the fourth lowest rate of driving fatalities involving alcohol at just 23.4%, compared to North Dakota with 46.7%. Car accidents during the month of July dropped by 21% compared to the average month in New Jersey, compared to the American average of a 12.7% increase in July accidents. New Jersey also has among the lowest unintentional fatal injury rates, with just 49 per 100k people.
Following on from New Jersey, the safest states for Independence Day include Georgia (5.13), New York (5.18), and Massachusetts (5.66).
How can we stay safe during the 4th of July?
The experts at Nursa have gathered tips on how to stay safe during your 4th of July celebrations.
- Practice firework safety
Firecrackers and sparklers cause almost the same number of injuries on the 4th of July. While sparklers may seem safer, children should never use them unsupervised. When handling fireworks, ensure that only one is lit at a time; keep everyone at least 80 feet away, and have a bucket of water or a hose nearby. Most importantly, never use fireworks whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Even a small mistake can result in serious burns to the hands or face.3
- Limit alcohol consumption
The 4th is a time to relax and celebrate, but it’s important to stay alert, especially when fireworks or children are around. Make sure there’s always a designated, sober adult present who can act responsibly and step in if needed. Safety should never take a back seat to celebration.
- Stay hydrated
July heat and long hours outside can wear you down quickly. Staying hydrated helps maintain your energy, focus, and ability to respond to situations, especially around open flames or large crowds. Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Protect your skin with sunscreen and clothing
Don’t forget the sunscreen! Apply and reapply throughout the day to avoid painful burns. Consider wearing lightweight, long-sleeve clothing as it not only helps with sun protection but can also shield your skin from accidental cuts or scrapes during BBQs, fireworks, or other activities.
