For Release July 5, 2005:

PRELIMINARY FATALITY REPORT FOR
THE 2005 JULY FOURTH HOLIDAY PERIOD

Twenty-one people were killed in crashes investigated by Florida Highway Patrol troopers over the four-day July 4th holiday driving period, July 1-4, 2005.

During this period, troopers charged 157 people with driving under the influence; issued 7,109 speeding citations; issued 1,477 seatbelt and child restraint citations; and assisted 3,055 motorists on Florida’s highways.

The statistical information provided below represents preliminary figures and covers only those crashes investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol.

• The 21 deaths occurred in 21separate traffic crashes.
• 4 fatalities (or 19%) occurred during the hours of darkness.
• 3 of the fatal traffic crashes (or 14%) were known to be alcohol-related; 7 (or 33%) remain listed as unknown; with 11 (or 52%) presently classified as not alcohol related.
• Of the 21 deaths, 1 (or 5%) was a pedestrian; and 3 (or 14%) were motorcyclists.
• 1 of the motorcyclists (or 33 %) was known to be wearing a helmet.
• 53% of those killed in vehicles normally equipped with safety belts were not wearing their belts.

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