The Fourth of July is a day to celebrate the birth of our country, our freedom and our independence, but it is also a very dangerous day for anyone getting into a car. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has found, by analyzing crash and accident data, that July 4 is the deadliest day to be on the road. Millions of Americans are traveling for the holiday this year, and many of them are doing so by car, which is why it is so important for drivers to take extra precautions whether they're taking a long trip or just driving to a friend's house in town.

According to the recent IIHS data, 670 fatal accidents occurred on July 4 in 2007 through 2011, which means an average of 134 people died each year on Independence Day. The Allstate Foundation issued a press release urging all drivers, especially teens, to abstain from unsafe behaviors behind the wheel such as texting and other distractions. Parents can talk to their teens about the dangers of distracted driving, but Allstate suggests one of the best courses of action can be to practice what they preach. If teens see their parents using phones while they drive, the youngsters are far more likely to follow suit than if Mom and Dad keep their phones out of reach while driving. The same is true for wearing seatbelts and obeying speed limits and other traffic laws.

In addition to safe driving, having a car that runs well can help improve a person's safety on the road this July Fourth. It is important to keep up with regular maintenance and routine oil changes to avoid suffering a breakdown or encountering other problems while driving. If your car is beyond repair, you might want to consider trading it in for a better model, and New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of used cars, trucks and SUVs to choose from in time for this Independence Day.

Whether you're driving down to the shore to celebrate Independence Day or you're just going to a friend or family member's place for a festive barbecue this Fourth of July, you should make sure your car, truck or SUV is in good shape. As AAA has predicted there will be nearly 40.8 million people traveling for the holiday this year, it is especially important that you take precautions to have a safe trip.

With more cars on the road, the risk of crashes increases. Drivers will want to take steps to ensure they are as safe as possible so they can have a fun, worry-free vacation. No one wants to spend their July Fourth stranded on the side of a highway, waiting for a tow truck. Here are a few things you should check before starting your vacation:

The first step in getting your car ready for a road trip is to consider the last time you took it to the shop for a tune-up or an oil change. If it has been a while since you've done either, you might want to make arrangements to get these things taken care of soon. When it comes to oil changes, it's a good idea to check the fluid regardless of when it was last changed. Oil that is very dark in color or contains dirt and debris should be flushed and replaced, even if it's not time yet for the schedules change. These signs could point to a leak in the system, so a mechanic should inspect the car to be safe. 

You'll also want to check other fluid levels, including windshield washer fluid, transmission and brake fluid, and coolant. Check the tire pressure and add any air as needed. Packing an emergency kit is a good idea in case you do get stuck roadside. For matters requiring expert attention, bring your car to New Jersey Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center.

Most drivers know that cars need regular maintenance to continue operating well and safely, but sticking to a tune-up schedule is easier said than done. It can be easy to simply let it slip your mind that your car is due for an oil change or other service, which is why Carfax recently unveiled its new app, myCARFAX. The app, available for iOS and Android mobile services, helps drivers keep track of their cars' health and maintenance schedule by tracking service history and reminding users when it's time to make an appointment with their mechanic.

"Keeping your vehicle well maintained can improve your resale value and keep your family safer," said Larry Gamache, communications director for Carfax. "Staying on top of what maintenance your car needs and when can be complicated, and keeping track of it all is a huge hassle. Now, myCARFAX does the work for you. Your car's service history is automatically stored in one place whenever you visit any of the 26,000 service locations that are partnered with Carfax."

The app also offers a garage locator for those who do not already have an auto shop they trust.

In addition to maintaining safety on the roads, regular tune-ups will equate to a better trade-in value when the time comes to get behind the wheel of your next ride. New Jersey State Auto Auction accepts trade-ins, making it easy to get rid of your current car and find the perfect used car, truck or SUV to replace it.

The dealer has a wide selection of makes and models, and every vehicle on the lot comes with a thorough Carfax history report. This allows car buyers to know exactly what they're getting, and ensures they'll drive off the lot in a safe and reliable ride.

When teens learn to drive, the majority of their lessons will come from their parents, which means Mom and Dad need to take the task seriously. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports motorists between the ages of 16 and 19 are four times more likely to get into accident than older drivers. Parents should instill safe driving habits in their youngsters as they teach the kids how to operate vehicles safely. Not only should they teach their teens about traffic rules and best practices, but they ought to focus on dangerous behaviors such as talking on a cellphone, texting and eating behind the wheel too.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners recently released a few guidelines for parents to follow when talking to their teens about safe driving. The association also included a contract for parents and teen drivers to sign together. It is available online and the rules are completely customizable, so parents can choose to instate rules about driving curfews, punishment for engaging in unsafe practices like texting, and always wearing a seat belt. Another important area of focus is having respect for other drivers as well as pedestrians when operating a car, truck or SUV.

"Respect for driving and common courtesy on the road show you care not only about your life, but also the lives of others," said Tyler Presnell, founder of the Tyler Presnell Foundation, which partnered with the NAIC to create the guidelines. "Individuals behind-the-wheel and passengers owe consideration to those around them."

In addition to learning the safest driving behaviors, youngsters will need reliable cars. Parents can bring their teens to New Jersey State Auto Auction to find the perfect used car. Every model on the lot is backed by a CARFAX report, so parents and new drivers will know they're choosing a ride in good shape.