Independence Day is considered one of the riskiest driving holidays of the year, according to the National Safety Council (NSC).

Independence weekend, between 6 p.m. on Friday, June 30 and 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4, could see as many as 619 preventable road fatalities.

“Summertime, and especially long holiday weekends, are a popular time to travel, celebrate and enjoy life. Unfortunately, the uptick in motor vehicle crashes puts a damper on this joy each year. If 619 people do perish in this single weekend, it’s nothing less than a tragedy because these deaths are preventable,” said Mark Chung, executive vice president of roadway practice at NSC.

“This is what gives NSC and other safety advocates across public and private sectors hope; there are ways to end this national crisis. Let’s do our part to be safer people so we can all live our fullest lives,” he added.

Buckling up, slowing down, wearing a seatbelt and driving free of distraction and impairment can improve road safety, the agency noted.

Data indicates 39 percent of fatalities during the Independence Day holiday period involve an alcohol-impaired driver, one of the highest percentages among all the major holidays.

Seatbelts, when used, are 45 percent effective in preventing fatalities among front-seat passenger car occupants, the agency reported.

Based on the projected number of vehicle occupants who will wear seatbelts, an estimated 245 lives may be saved this Independence Day holiday period, the safety agency added, noting an additional 144 lives could be saved if all vehicle occupants wear seatbelts.