July 4th Traffic Safety

Each year, Independence Day explodes with festive fireworks, tasty backyard barbecues, and American pride. Unfortunately, the merrymaking can create dangerous road conditions, as some drivers hit the streets after drinking alcoholic beverages. This Independence Day, Safe Communities wants to remind drivers that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. 
 
It’s essential that our community members understand the safety and financial risks they take when they drink and drive. In fact, according to NHTSA, 37,361 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2017, and 28% (10,497) of those fatalities occurred in a crash during which the drive had a BAC over the legal limit of .08. Night time is especially dangerous; the rate of alcohol impairment among driver involved in fatal crashes during the holiday period was more than three times higher at night than it was during the day.
 
Under no circumstance is it ever acceptable to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after you’ve been drinking. Doing so endangers you and everyone on the road with you. Before you head out for your celebrations, make sure you plan a sober way home.
 
Law enforcement in Wood County is taking part in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign during the Fourth of July holiday weekend to put an end to drunk driving. Due to law enforcement’s dedication to protecting the lives of resident in their communities, you’ll see increased enforcement on the roads zero tolerance for those who drive impaired.

For More Information:
Lt. Angel Burgos, Ohio State Highway Patrol: 419-352-2481
Sandy Wiechman, Safe Communities Coordinator: 419-372-9353 or swiechm@bgsu.edu