The Fourth of July should be enjoyed responsibly by you and those close to you. Early editorial writers at the turn of the 20th century would urge their readers to keep the Fourth “safe and sane.” Back in those days, Americans—particularly young men—would use the holiday as a reason to tear through their towns, damaging both public and private property starting at midnight. While behavior has evolved and Americans no longer act quite in the same manner, we continue to engage in risky conduct that endangers ourselves and those around us. Fireworks are prohibited in Massachusetts, and there are legitimate reasons for this restriction. Year after year, hospital emergency rooms see a constant flow of fireworks-related injuries during this time, ranging from minor burns to lost eyes and far worse. Despite this, people use fireworks and allow their children to do the same, treating it as though it poses no real danger. Alcohol abuse also runs rampant across the country during the holiday. During summer months, this problem intensifies as people drink on beaches and boats, mistakenly thinking these are safe environments for excessive drinking. Yet annually, drownings and boating accidents occur, resulting in far too many deaths and serious injuries among our fellow Americans—casualties that need not happen other than in the pursuit of recreation. For your own sake, the sake of your loved ones, and your friends, avoid becoming another statistic during what is expected to be an extended holiday weekend.