Fourth of July is consistently ranked as one of the deadliest days of the year for DUI crashes. More than half of all motor vehicle crashes that occur during the Fourth of July holiday are alcohol related. August ranks as the deadliest month of the year, with more DUI crashes than any other month. Saturday’s are the riskiest day of the week, with more alcohol-impaired drivers than any other day. Although DUI’s can happen anytime of the year, there are days that are riskier than others. Statistically DUI crashes and deaths spike in the Summer months and holidays, due to the influx of drivers on the road.
As always, remember to PARTY WITH A PLAN. Have a sober driver that will get you to and from the holiday festivities safely. It is important to note that a sober driver is an individual who does not drink at all, not the one who has drank the least. If you are hosting a Fourth of July party, make sure to provide non-alcoholic beverages and snacks to your guests as well. You may also provide a place to stay for your friends, if they do not have a safe ride home. If you have a friend who is drinking or smoking marijuana, take their keys away and make arrangements to get them home safely.
Important DUI Facts:
- According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, about 28.7 million individuals admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol in 2003.
- More than 300,000 impaired driving instances occur every day and only 3,200 violators are arrested. Nearly one-third of those 3,200 violators are repeat offenders.
- Two out of three Americans will be involved in a DUI crash during some point of their lives.
- It is estimated that every 2 minutes, an individual is seriously injured by a drunk driver.
- In 2014, approximately 9,967 individuals lost their lives to DUI crashes. That averages out to 27 DUI deaths per day, one every 53 minutes.
- In 2017, 237 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, accounting for 39% of the traffic deaths during that holiday period.
Stay safe this Fourth of July and remember Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving and If you Feel Different, You Drive Different. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)