Toyota has announced a temporary fix for the 600,000 recalled Sienna minivans from the 1998 through 2010 model years.

In April, Toyota recalled the minivans because of a defective spare tire harness. The problem involved cars in cold-weather states that use salt to melt ice. Heavy salt use can deteriorate the cable that holds the spare tire under the minivan’s body, potentially leading to it detaching. If the van is moving, this can be dangerous to both the car itself and others on the road.

The interim fix includes having the dealer inspect the cable. If the cable is deteriorated, the dealer will move the spare tire to the van’s luggage compartment. In minivans, this is the well behind the third row of seats.

Toyota is investigating a permanent fix, which Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons estimates will be ready in late August or early September. But the company is still not sure what the final fix will be.

The company is sending out notices to owners in certain cold-weather states starting July 19. For more information, owners can contact Toyota at 800-331-4331.

We here at MotherProof.com want to wish everyone a happy Independence Day, but we also remind you to stay safe behind the wheel during the holiday. The Fourth of July is the day with the most fatal crashes in the U.S., with an average of 148 deaths, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

An IIHS analysis of federal fatal crash data found that July 4, Aug. 13, July 15 and, unsurprisingly, Jan. 1 were the days when the most people died in motor vehicles during 2004-2008. For comparison’s sake, 114 people die in cars each day on average.

IIHS President Adrian Lund penned a press release reminding people to stay safe, but also, interestingly, knocked the sudden focus on distracted driving.

According to Lund, much attention has been given to texting and talking on a cell phone while driving, but cell phone and texting bans in states have shown little positive impact in reducing deaths. More importantly, Lund says, drivers need to slow down. We recommend doing both.

Stay safe and have a happy Fourth.