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CHARLOTTE--Drivers need to take extra care on the roadways this Independence Day.

According to a new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, July 4th is declared the deadliest day for teens and other drivers on the road.

For many, July 4th is just a time to celebrate, but officials said more importance needs to put on driving.

"You have people drinking, people that are staying out late and you've got a lot of congestion around events and that's what leads to the accidents," said Tom Crosby, with AAA Carolinas.

The study showed that 800 people were killed in car wrecks on July 4th from 2006 to 2010. In North Carolina, it said 121 people lost their lives during the month of July. Teens account for 10 percent of the fatalities that occur on July 4th, according to the study.

"I think if you're going to let teens go out you need to warn them about the fact that other teens in the car are a major distraction," said Crosby.

While Charlotte resident Emily Porges decided to run an errand Wednesday morning, she said the stats are exactly why she mostly stays in on July 4th.

"I plan to grill out and not go anywhere and you know hang out with the dogs and a few close friends and nobody is driving, so we don't take those risks," said Porges.

Some Charlotte teens told us they have big plans for the 4th this year, but they said being safe on the roadways is one thing they take seriously. However, they know controlling other drivers is out of their hands.

"Especially coming home late at night, there are always people out there that like to break the rules and make it unsafe for everybody else, but I feel like if you're paying attention and being careful out there that's going to lower the risk," said teen driver Brett Cockerhan.

AAA officials said with the holiday falling in the middle of the week, celebrations may be drawn out this year. So they said take care over the next several days.