In a recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; 27 percent of all drivers involved in traffic related crashes
during the Fourth of July holiday period possessed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, which is the illegal limit in
all states.  If a fatality occurred in a crash, 37 percent involved a driver or motorcyclist with a BAC of .08 or higher.
That’s why nationally; law enforcement officials will be out in full force cracking down on drunk drivers during this period with an
aggressive “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest” enforcement blitz.  It’s also time to remind all Fourth of July party-goers
that buzzed driving is drunk driving and to designate a sober driver before the celebrations begin.
“Too many people still don’t understand that alcohol, drugs and driving just don’t mix. Impaired driving is no accident—nor is it a
victimless crime.  Too many lives are being lost and we need everyone’s help to stop it.” said Todd Greenwood, Region Traffic Safety
Coordinator. 
Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest problems. In the most recent annual survey, 42,642 people were killed in motor vehicle
crashes.  There were 13,470 people who were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcyclists with a (BAC)
of .08 or higher. 
Alcohol plays a big role in motorcycle fatalities too.  Forty-one percent of the 2,007 motorcyclists who died in single-vehicle crashes
had BAC levels of .08 or higher. In fatal crashes, a higher percentage of motorcyclists had BAC levels of .08 or higher than any other
type of vehicle driver.
Greenwood said much of the tragedy from drunk driving can be prevented with a few simple precautions before going out to celebrate:
- Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
- Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys;
- If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely;
- Use your commands Safe Ride Home program.
- If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;
- And remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.  If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their
keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk. The consequences are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone
else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant. Violators often face jail time,
the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses.
This summer, don’t let your Fourth of July end in an arrest—or even worse, death. Make smart decisions. Plan ahead, so you can assure
a safe way home. Whether you’ve had way too many or just one too many, it’s not worth the risk.
For more information, please visit http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil or http://www.StopImpairedDriving.org