CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – State officials are urging drivers to stay vigilant while on the roads this Fourth of July.
Buzzed driving is drunk driving, and safety officials are reminding people to plan ahead before the fireworks.
According to AAA, Nearly two million people statewide will travel for the Fourth, and those planning to drink should be prepared. Mark Schieldrop with AAA Northeast told 22News, “If you’re serving alcohol make sure you talk to each person that you’re serving and make sure that they have safe transportation home if you had too much to drink you can always get Uber or Lyft or call a taxi.”
Friends don’t let friends drive drunk–that’s the nationwide message. To date, impaired driving continues to be one of the leading causes of death among Americans. Those planning to celebrate say they’re hoping to keep friends and family safe.
Rideshare services, family, and friends can serve as a helping hand if you’re planning to have a drink or two. Those who have lost a loved one to drunk driving say, poor decisions could have consequences.
If you see an impaired driver on the road, pull over and call 911. This a reminder to many, to celebrate America safely. Schieldrop adds, “Just over the last five years across the country there were 2,228 fatalities just over the fourth of July holiday period, and 1,400 of those fatalities were the drivers.”
Be aware, and have a plan. AAA says, the outcome of driving under the influence, is not worth it.
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