POTTSVILLE — This Independence Day, police officers throughout Schuylkill County will be participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign.
During the holiday weekend, officers will work to put an end to drunk driving.
In support of law enforcement’s dedication to protecting the lives of residents in their communities, motorists will see increased enforcement on the roads, with zero tolerance for those who drive impaired, David Everly, regional coordinator North Central Regional DUI Enforcement Program, said.
Every noted that according to federal Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving accounted for 10,511 or 29% of motor vehicle traffic deaths in 2018.
With the Fourth of July festivities wrapping up in the evening or late at night more cars will be on the roads during the nighttime hours.
He said that in 2018 alone, 193 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the July 4 holiday and that 78 or 40% of those fatalities occurred in alcohol impaired driving crashes.
That compares to 2017 when 38% of the July 4 holiday fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes.
“It’s a shame we have to keep repeating ourselves but the message remains the same, drunk driving is deadly and illegal and it’s illegal in every state in this country,” Everly said. “We want our community to stay safe, so make no mistake if you are caught drinking and driving, you will be pulled over and arrested.”
Everly said that many people think driving impaired is no big deal.
“The consequences are serious if we catch you driving under the influence of alcohol we will arrest you and you’ll receive a DUI that will follow you throughout your life,” he said.
Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming alcohol puts that person in danger as well as any passengers and everyone on the road.
“If you’re heading to Fourth of July parties this summer remember Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” the coordinator said.
Celebrate with a plan
This Fourth of July, Schuylkill County police and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are urging drivers to designate a sober driver before heading out for the day and that anyone planning on drinking should plan on not driving.
With this in mind, Everly recommends these alternatives to drinking and driving:
• Even if a person consumes only one alcoholic beverage, they should designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride sharing service to get home safely.
• Anyone who has a friend who is about to drink and drive should take their keys away and make arrangements to get them home safely.
“This 4th of July commit to only driving 100%sober,” Everly said. “Don’t lose your independence on Independence Day and don’t be a deadly risk to yourself and other innocent people.
Contact the Writer: fandruscavage@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6013