From the Arkansas State Highway Patrol:
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On this Independence Day, make the honorable choice to drive sober or get a sober ride home. The Arkansas Highway Safety Office (AHSO) along with Arkansas law enforcement will partner with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement campaign. The goal is to deter impaired driving and prevent the tragedies seen in previous Fourth of July holidays from happening again.
Every year, the Fourth of July holiday stands out as one of the deadliest times on our nation’s roads. From 2019 to 2023, there were 2,653 fatalities in traffic crashes during the holiday period. Of those fatalities, 1,679 were drivers and thirty-eight percent (643) of those drivers were drunk. Of the drivers killed, the 21-34 age group had the highest percentage (48%) of drunk drivers.
In Arkansas, 48 percent of drivers in the fatal accidents that occurred during July 4th weekends (2019 to 2023) were intoxicated.
“We want to make it clear that on this Fourth of July holiday, we have a zero-tolerance policy against drinking and driving,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “We are well-trained to identify signs of drunk driving on the road. Driving under the influence is a violation of the law, and a reckless act that puts the lives of drivers, their passengers, and others on the road at extreme risk. We urge everyone to keep road safety in mind as they prepare for the celebrations. Make responsible choices to help us ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for all.”
Drivers should be safe during this Independence Day holiday by planning ahead if they intend to drink. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere. Impairment clouds a person’s judgment. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home.
If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive — take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots a drunk driver, call 9-1-1.
