By Staff
Instead of being a time for picnics and enjoying the area fireworks displays, too often lives are lost in deadly crashes.
Considered the second deadliest day of the year by law enforcement, the holiday will be seeing the Michigan State Police still on duty.
A full force of officers will be cracking down on drunk drivers this holiday.
"Nationally, in 2005, the Fourth of July holiday period was the deadliest holiday period of the year – due to impaired driving," said Nate Hill Berrien County Health Department Prevention Specialist. "It is important that everyone think safety along with celebration this year. If you choose to drink this Fourth of July have a designated driver, call a cab or sober friend, the fines and penalties for drinking and driving out weigh the hassle of calling a cab or calling a friend."
Berrien County reported 992 alcohol impaired driving arrests in 2005, that number decreased to 888 in 2006. In 2005, 245 people died during the Fourth of July holiday period where the blood alcohol concentration was .08 or higher.
This aggressive Drunk Driving – Over the Limit – Under Arrest -enforcement blitz will target not only those driving vehicles. Motorcycle fatalities are also often tied to alcohol. Balance and coordination are affected after drinking.
Post Commander F/Lt. Willie Mays of the Michigan State Police said much of the tragedy from drunk driving can be prevented with a few simple precautions before going out to celebrate:
Plan ahead: Whenever you plan on consuming alcohol, designate your sober driver before going out and give that person your keys;
If you're impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely;
Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement;
And remember, Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. 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.
"No matter what you drive-a passenger car, pickup, or motorcycle-if you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested," said Mays. "Don't let this Fourth of July blow up in your face. Remember. Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest."