Happy 4th of July!

Hi! Jason Fogelson, About.com's Guide to SUVs here. Aaron and his lovely wife are away on a driving holiday today, so I'm here to offer you a few words of caution on the occasion of our nation's 231st birthday.

There will be a lot of people out on the road today, not all of them completely sober or competent to drive their vehicles. Pay close attention, and for heaven's sake, don't be part of the problem. If you're planning on imbibing on this holiday (I certainly am), then don't get behind the wheel. The holiday won't be fun if you mix it with a drunk driving charge, or even worse, an accident.

Also, take a few minutes to check the condition of your vehicle before you hit the road. Check your tire pressure, check your oil and radiator, clean off your windshield and make sure that you have some emergency water with you -- it's likely to be very hot today in most parts of the country, and you don't want to get stranded with a car full of screaming kids and no water to drink.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website, July 4th is "traditionally the deadliest day on American roads."

Please take care, buckle up, and get where you're going safely, so that you can come back home and visit About.com again tomorrow.

Or better yet, stay home, crack a beer or two, and catch up on your SUV reviews at About.com SUVs. I'm sure you've missed one or two...Jason Fogelson

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