AAA predicts that about 71 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the July 4 holiday (which, for the record, runs July 1-7), with nearly 61 million of those forecast to travel by automobile — about 3 million more people on the road compared with the same time in 2023.

While not all of those travelers will be traversing Georgia’s roadways, it might feel that way, even with scheduled highway maintenance put on hold for the duration. Factor in gas prices that are lower than the national average was last year and our post-pandemic highways will no doubt be crowded … and potentially dangerous. And that’s especially so on the peak days of July 3 and July 7.

A big part of that danger comes from poor choices. Sadly, during every July 4 holiday the number of impaired driving crashes spikes. Of the more than 2,200 people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes during the July 4 holiday between 2018-2022, nearly 40 percent of the drivers killed were drunk.

Because of this, extra patrols will police our highways during the period, but even before that, the Nation Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers its annual “tips for getting home safely” during the holiday:

— If you plan to drink, make a plan ahead of time for a sober ride home.

— Even if you’ve had only one drink, let someone who hasn’t been drinking take you home. A sober driver is one who does not drink at all, not the one who’s had the least to drink.

— If you’re hosting a Fourth of July gathering, help the designated drivers out by making sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages.

— Have a friend who is about to drive impaired? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

— If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 911.

— Always wear your seat belt.

Of course, drunk driving isn’t the only risky behavior causing crashes on our roads, as NHTSA rightly reports. Drug-impaired driving is an issue, too. Whether the drug is obtained legally or illegally, drug-impaired driving is dangerous and illegal in all states. Remember: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different (nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving).

And as a last reminder for all of us who follow the rules about drinking and driving, those pocket computers can also be a highway killer. Georgia is a hands-free state. Georgia’s hands-free law makes it illegal to hold a cell phone or any other electronic device while driving in the state.

Smart phones have their place, but not when it comes to smart driving.