Every year, the days around and including the Fourth of July holiday rank as one of the deadliest periods on the nation’s roads. In 2024, there were 579 people killed in traffic crashes during the holiday period. From 2020 to 2024, there were 1,724 driver fatalities of the 2,719 total traffic fatalities. Thirty-eight percent of those drivers were drunk.
If a driver intends to drink during an Independence Day festivity, they should plan ahead for a safe ride home by securing a designated driver or calling a taxi or rideshare. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere. Impairment clouds a person’s judgment and endangers others on the road.
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, contact local law enforcement.
Drive 100% sober, because Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. For more information on impaired driving, visit NHTSA.gov/ImpairedDriving.