Watching the evening fireworks is one of the highlights of a successful celebration on the 4th of July. It is a day to celebrate the creation of the United States of America. It is a day to spend time with family and dear friends; a day to relax and enjoy the festivities. But are you taking the time to be safe, and smart, when traveling to and from those celebrations?
The 4th of July and Impaired Driving
For some people, drinking too much and then driving is how they “celebrate” the holiday. The 4th of July is one of the deadliest holidays of the year because of alcohol-impaired driving crashes. Because of impaired driving, over the past five years 780 people died during the 4th of July holidays, with 65% (511) of them at a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of .15% or higher.[1] In other words, a significant percentage of the fatalities were at nearly twice the legal limit of .08 BAC.[2] During the 4th of July holiday in 2011, 86% of the alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities happened at night. [3]
Because of these alarming statistics, law enforcement officers will be out in force to do everything they can to save lives, stopping those who drive impaired and then arresting them. The messages, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” will be seen and heard on a variety of media outlets during the holiday.
6 Tips for Safety
So you can enjoy the 4th of July festivities safely, here are a few tips:
Don’t Drive Impaired
- Before going out, plan a safe way home.
- If you’re going to drink, designate a sober driver—meaning someone that will not drink alcohol at all during the evening.[4]
- If you’re impaired call for a taxi, a sober friend or family member.
- If your friend is impaired, don’t let him or her drive.
- Many communities have a “sober ride” program.[5] Know how to reach that service. Before going out, put the phone number in your cell phone.
- If you see someone driving impaired, contact your local law enforcement immediately. The life you save could be yours.
The 4th of July is a joyous time; a time everyone in the country celebrates. Let’s be sure it is a time when you, your family, and your friends get home safe and sound.
“Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” Clip
[1] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Sample Talking Points and Fact Sheet, July 4th 2013 Crackdown Campaign
[2] While it is called the “legal limit” by many, if a person shows signs of alcohol or drug impairment even under .08 BAC, they can still be arrested for DWI.
[3] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Sample Talking Points and Fact Sheet, July 4th 2013 Crackdown Campaign
[4] A designated driver is not the person who drinks the least, as some individuals think, it is a person not drinking at all.
[5] In the Washington DC region, it is called Washington Regional Alcohol Program or WRAP. Many of these programs can be easily found on the web.
Related articles
- Police warn would-be drunken drivers (republicanherald.com)
- Missoula police to increase traffic patrols for Fourth of July (missoulian.com)
- 07-02-13 *CDOT News* Impaired Drivers Beware: Increased DUI Enforcement Begins July 2nd… (brianallmerradionetwork.wordpress.com)
- Officers team up to patrol for impaired drivers during Fourth of July holiday (fox59.com)
- AAA To Offer Free “Tow To Go” Over July 4th Holiday (miami.cbslocal.com)
