July 4th Celebrations

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

June 29, 2022 – July 4, 2022

This Independence Day, Hope Police Department will be participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over impaired driving awareness campaign, June 29, 2022 – July 4, 2022.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes that involved an alcohol-impaired driver in 2020. That same year, 493 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the July 4th holiday period (6 p.m. July 2 to 5:59 a.m. July 6). Forty-one percent (201) of those fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes.

It’s important to understand that impairment can occur even after just one or two alcoholic drinks. “While we wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday, we need to be clear about drunk driving,” said Assistant Chief Tomlin. “a DUI costs thousands of dollars and puts you and your passengers and everyone on the road at risk.”  

From 2016 to 2020, 1,390 drivers were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the 4th of July holiday period. Thirty-nine percent (542) of the drivers killed were alcohol-impaired (with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher), and more than half (51%) were between the ages of 21-34. Over the 2020 July 4th holiday period, of the 201 people who died in alcohol-impaired motor vehicle traffic crashes, 85% of the crashes were at night (6 p.m.–5:59 a.m.).
This Fourth of July, commit to only driving 100-percent sober. Don’t lose your independence on Independence Day, and don’t be a deadly risk to yourself and other innocent people. Remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.