Montgomery, Ala. (WDNews) – With the Fourth of July around the corner, putting safety first while celebrating Independence Day is a must, especially on the road..
“Sadly, each year, lives are lost across the state and the nation as a result of driving or operating a vessel while impaired,” ALEA Secretary, Hal Taylor, said in a statement.
From 2019 to 2023, nearly 2,700 people were killed in traffic crashes over the July 4th holiday period nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Of those, 40% involved drunk drivers.
Officials warn that even a small amount of alcohol, just a .02 blood alcohol concentration, can impact your ability to safely operate a vehicle.
According to the NHTSA, there are some precautions you can take to ensure that you stay safe while still having fun. Some tips are:
- Planning ahead of time for a sober ride home
- If you had one drink, let someone sober take you home.
- Be a good host and provide the designated drivers with non-alcoholic options
- Take the car keys from a drunk friend and make arrangements to get them home.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, pull over and call 911.
- Wear your seat belt.
Always remember that a sober driver is one who does not drink at all, not the one who’s had the least to drink.
