Montgomery, Alabama (WDNews) As the Fourth of July approaches, it is imperative to prioritize safety when celebrating, particularly when driving.
Unfortunately, driving or operating a vessel while intoxicated results in fatalities every year throughout the state and the country, according to a statement released by ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor.
The National Highway highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over the July 4th holiday season in 2019–2023, nearly 2,700 persons lost their lives in highway accidents countrywide. Forty percent of those involved intoxicated drivers.
Authorities caution that even a modest blood alcohol content (.02) can affect your ability to drive safely.
There are steps you can do to make sure you stay safe and yet have fun, according to the NHTSA. Here are some pointers:
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Planning ahead of time for a sober ride home
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If you had one drink, let someone sober take you home.
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Be a good host and provide the designated drivers with non-alcoholic options
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Take the car keys from a drunk friend and make arrangements to get them home.
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If you see a drunk driver on the road, pull over and call 911.
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Wear your seat belt.
Never forget that a sober driver is not someone who has had the least amount of alcohol; rather, it is someone who does not drink at all.
