In this guide, we’ll walk through how to stay safe and still have fun this Independence Day, especially when it comes to responsible drinking, firework safety, and general summer precautions. Why Should I Celebrate the 4th of July Responsibly? The combination of summer fun, outdoor events, and alcohol often leads to poor decisions behind the Berks police to enforce zero-tolerance for drunken driving over July 4th holiday weekend Police warning residents to plan ahead and avoid getting behind the wheel after drinking during the We offer themed material for the Fourth of July that encourages people to not get behind the wheel after drinking and to plan for a safe, sober ride home. In 2023, 617 people died in traffic crashes during the Fourth of July holiday period. 38% (233) of those fatalities occurred in drunk driving crashes. The first week of July is typically one of the busiest American travel periods of the year, as many people utilize the holiday for extended vacation trips. It is also one of the deadliest. Fourth of July images inspire fireworks, parades, picnics and barbecues, red/white/and blue, concerts, and baseball games. What about safe driving? Last Between 2019 and 2023, we saw 2,653 road deaths related to Fourth of July celebrations, with an identical 38% of crashes caused by drunk drivers. Hawaii Police Dept. partners with NHTSA for a "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign to curb impaired driving on July 4th. CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Every year, the Fourth of July holiday gets ranked as one of the deadliest times to be out on the road. Due to the increased number of drunk driving occurrences that take Less than two years ago, on July 4th, 2023, a drunk-driving crash killed 12-year-old Santiago Gaspar and injured others. The at-fault driver—a Camp Pendleton Marine—received a sentence of 13 years and 8 months. With increased traffic, festive distractions, and potential alcohol consumption, it’s crucial to take extra precautions while driving to prevent any personal injuries. In this blog post, we will share five essential tips to help you drive safely during Fourth of July festivities. What is your plan on getting home? Celebrate the Fourth of July with the intention of celebrating next year. Car crash statistics. The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate, but it’s also statitically the most dangerous day of the year. While families gather for fireworks, barbecues, road trips, and beach outings, thousands end up in emergency rooms due to preventable accidents. 4th of July celebrations often lead to an increase in fatal impaired driving and boating crashes. In 2023, drunk driving caused 233 deaths, or 38% of all traffic fatalities, during the 4th of July holiday period, according to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is a national high-visibility enforcement campaign that focuses on the consequences of drunk driving and is supported by increased law enforcement. Key Dates While the Fourth of July is not a national enforcement period, the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over material on this page can be used if high-visibility enforcement is happening in your area over the holiday Learn about the dangers of drunk driving on the 4th of July, a day with a 77% increase in crashes. Safety tips for a responsible celebration are included. The N.C. Governor's Highway Safety Program launched its “Operation Firecracker Booze It & Lose It" campaign today to promote safe driving around the state. The annual campaign uses public outreach and law enforcement to discourage impaired driving by performing more checkpoints and patrols on the days leading up to and following the holiday. Some of the factors that contribute to July 4th crashes include: Drinking and driving Driving while under the influence of drugs Congested roads from holiday traffic Tourists driving in unfamiliar areas Increased chance of reckless driving in summer Quick Facts & Statistics Drinking is common at Fourth of July celebrations, which can cause more problems. Always know your limit, and if you are going to set off fireworks, do so before you start drinking. Driving may be more dangerous.If you are out drinking, make sure you have a designated driver when traveling by car. On July 4th, America celebrates the birth of our nation. Around the holiday, sadly, we often see an increase in impaired driving crashes. From 2019 to 2023, there were 2,653 people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period — 40% of the drivers killed were drunk. Why do DUI crashes increase every Fourth of July? Learn the reasons behind the spike in drunk driving accidents, as well as what your rights are if you're hit by a drunk driver during the holiday. Read our blog today! More people die in drunk driving crashes in July than any other month, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.
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