This year’s Fourth of July celebrations in Ames, Slater and surrounding communities offer many opportunities for fun; however, highway officials advise caution when traveling.

Scott Fald, a traffic safety specialist for the Iowa Department of Transportation, said the Fourth of July holiday is unique since the day of the week it falls on changes each year. The number of traffic fatalities greatly increases when the holiday falls on Thursday, Friday or a weekend as it does this year, he said.

Some precautions to prevent traffic accidents include the usual rules of no alcohol, using seat belts and obeying all posted traffic signs. Fald specifically encouraged people to assign a designated driver before attending an event where alcohol will be served.

Speed, he said, is always a factor in traffic accidents and should be kept down to lower the risks.

“Make sure to plan schedules realistically, and don’t try to do too much in one day. Many people get too busy and try to make up lost time on the road by driving fast.” Fald said.

Planning ahead will not only provide sufficient traveling time, but also allow travel. Because of the heavy traffic and the human tendency to grow tired, the hours between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. make travel during this time particularly risky. Fald said this is especially true during holidays.

Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald of Story County suggests planning trips ahead since roads may be closed and detours could effect the amount of time it takes to arrive at the destination.