On the Big Island of Hawai’i people love to celebrate the 4th of July with family, friends, food and fireworks. Unfortunately sometimes the festivities turn tragic on our roads. This holiday happens to be one of the deadliest holidays of the year across America due to Impaired Driving crashes.
Over the 4th of July Holiday in 2018 (6 pm July 3rd to 5:59 am July 5th)
· 193 people died in motor vehicle crashes. 40% (78) of those fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired crashes. This compares to 2017 when 38% of July 4th holiday period fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes.
· 71% of those who died in alcohol-impaired crashes were in a crash involving at least one driver or motorcyclist with a BAC of .15 or higher. That’s nearly twice the legal limit here in Hawai’i.
Even with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting us on the Big Island, the Hawai’i Police Department has been conducting impaired driving enforcement projects, patrols and have arrested many drivers. During this Holiday weekend officers will be out patrolling our communities making sure people are driving safe and not intoxicated. If you are drinking alcohol or using any intoxicating substance, don’t drive. It is not safe. Make arrangements ahead of time for a ride or a place to stay. If you need a ride call a friend, a family member, a taxi or ride share program. Just don’t drive impaired. Don’t make a bad decision that will have a negative impact on your life. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.