In 1998, there were seven such fatalities and three of the crashes were alcohol-related. Local buses are not an option on the Fourth of July because the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority will not operate. The state fire marshal's office and state police issued warnings against illegal use of fireworks, noting that during the past eight years three people have died of injuries suffered while igniting fireworks. In the past decade, there have been 782 major fires and explosions in the state caused by illegal fireworks, resulting in injury to 36 people, nine of them firefighters. Drivers are being told to expect delays at the traditional troublespots, such as where Interstate 90 and Interstate 495 intersect, the Sturbridge exit on the Massachusetts Turnpike where northbound traffic from Interstate 84 enters and where I-495 enters New Hampshire.
State police suggest traveling during off-peak hours to avoid congestion.
State highway officials are trying to help by ceasing all road repairs at noon today and resuming on Wednesday at noon. On the Fourth, there's staggered arrival times and a lot of people stay for the week. He said the most pressing traffic concern for state police comes the following weekend when the Tall Ships arrive and are expected to attract huge crowds and cause traffic snarls at Cape Cod Canal. Used with permission.