Drivers Urged to Drive Sober this Fourth of July

MORRIS PLAINS, N.J —  Planning to watch fireworks this Fourth of July? Maybe joining friends for a barbecue or heading to the beach? Enjoy the holiday but get home safely. Drive sober this holiday weekend.

Holidays can bring an increased crash risk, especially crashes involving drivers impaired by alcohol, reminds AAA. The travel agency is projecting  a record 60.6 million people will travel by car over Independence Day week – an additional 2.8 million travelers compared to last year.

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 487 people died in traffic crashes during the 2022 Fourth of July holiday period, and 40% of those fatalities occurred in drunk driving crashes.

During the last five years of available federal data (2018-2022), there were 2,228 traffic fatalities during the Fourth of July holiday period, 1,414 of whom were the driver. Of those drivers, 39% were drunk; the 21-34 age group had the highest percentage (50%) of drunk drivers.

“For many, the Fourth of July is a chance to celebrate with family and friends, enjoy local festivities and bask in summer weather,” said Shani Jarvis, Outreach Manager, AAA Northeast. “Those who plan to partake in drinking over the holiday should make a plan to get home safely before even opening the cooler. Whether you designate a sober driver, call a taxi or rideshare or use public transportation, getting home safely must be the top priority.”

Those on the road over the holiday are reminded to always wear their seat belt. If you see an impaired driver, safely pull over and call 911.

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