According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, there have been 19 Independence Day car accident deaths on Minnesota roads over the last five years, making Independence Day the deadliest day of the year.

A major factor for the car accident deaths was drunk driving, which accounted for 13 (65%) of the deaths; a rate that greatly exceeds Minnesota's annual percentage of deaths caused by drunk drivers, which is historically around 30%.

Through the first six months of 2013, there have been 154 traffic accident deaths in Minnesota, 9 more than 2012.

Be safe this year.  Designate a sober driver, use a cab, or stay in one place.  If you must drive, be sure to buckle up.

Happy Independence Day!