4th of July Safety Tips

Celebrate Smart for America’s Birthday

 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 4th of July is one of the “deadliest holidays of the year due to drunk-driving crashes.” Over the course of 4 years (2016-2020), there were 1,390 motorists killed in traffic-related accidents in the United States. Devastatingly, over 40% of the drivers that died were drunk. 

NHTSA is reminding motorists that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving and that even a small amount of alcohol can impair a person’s driving. According to their website, a blood alcohol concentration of .02 can affect a person’s ability to drive safely. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers these tips to celebrate safely this Independence Day:

  • Designate a sober driver.
  • One drink is one too many – a sober driver should not have had anything to drink.
  • Offer non-alcoholic beverages at Fourth of July festivities.
  • If you see a person who is impaired, do not let them drive. Help arrange for them to get home safely.
  • Pull over and call 911 if you see a drunk driver on the road.
  • Wear a seat belt. 
  • Do not drive after taking drugs. Even over-the-counter and prescription drugs can impair your ability to drive. 
  • Biking under the influence can be dangerous too. Do not ride your bike or scooter after drinking or doing drugs.
  • Pedestrians are at high risk for injury or death on July 4th. Obey traffic signals and do not walk home intoxicated. Wear visible clothes, particularly if you are walking at night.
  • Use public transportation if possible. 

Get home safe this Fourth of July by following these and other safety measures. Your choice to drive sober or designate a sober driver can save your life and others. Even just one drink can impair your ability to drive safely. Do not risk it.