LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – On this Independence Day, honor the ideals of America by making a conscious choice to drive sober or get a sober ride home. The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office, along with state and local 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 campaign. The goal is to deter impaired driving, and prevent the tragedies seen during previous Fourth of July holidays from happening again.

Every year, the Fourth of July holiday stands out as one of the deadliest times on the nation’s roads. From 2018 to 2022 during the holiday period, there were 1,414 drivers killed in traffic crashes across the nation. Thirty-nine percent (545) of those drivers were drunk. Of the 1,414 drivers killed, the 21-34 age group had the highest percent (50%) of drunk drivers.

"We want to make it clear that on this Fourth of July holiday, we will have a zero-tolerance policy against drinking and driving,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “Troopers are well-trained to identify signs of drunk driving on the road. Driving under the influence is a reckless act that puts the lives of drivers, their passengers, and others on the road at extreme risk. We urge everyone to make responsible choices for a safe holiday."

Drivers should plan ahead if they intend to drink. Don't wait until after drinking to make arrangements for getting home because impairment clouds a person’s judgment. A few dollars spent on a ride is a lot cheaper than a DWI, which can cost up to $10,000.

The Arkansas Highway Safety Office recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

-- Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.

-- If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 9-1-1.

-- If you know someone who is about to drive or operate a motorcycle or any other vehicle while impaired, help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.

-- Always buckle up. Your seat belt is your best defense against a drunk driver.

For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136, and go to https://www.tzdarkansas.org/ to learn about Arkansas’ Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities.