JACKSON HOLE, WYO – If you don’t know by now, we’ll remind you once again: driving on the 4th of July is going to be painful…really painful if you try it drunk. Getting around the valley will be much easier on foot, on a bike, or in the START Bus. If you plan on imbibing, getting around will be much safer, for everyone, if you do so with a designated driver or taxi.
During the 2015 4th of July holiday period (July 2-6), 92 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 or higher, and 146 people died in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a BAC of .08. In fact, from 2011-2015, 39 percent of all traffic fatalities over the Fourth of July period occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes.
This 4th of July, the Jackson Police Department will be out in full force during its Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, stopping drunk drivers and targeting those who put lives in danger. As you prepare to drive home from the festivities, keep in mind that even one drink can be one too many.
“If you choose to head out to a 4th of July party and make the terrible decision to drink and drive, don’t be mistaken—if you get caught, you will be arrested,” said Chief Todd Smith. “This is deadly, irresponsible behavior, and we will be out in full force to put a stop to it wherever we can. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign means zero tolerance for drunk driving. There are plenty of safe ways for you to get home after drinking alcohol. We will accept no excuses.”
NHTSA data shows that young drivers (18 to 34 years old) are especially at risk of driving drunk. Nearly half of all drivers 18 to 34 years old who were killed over the July 4th period in 2015 were driving drunk.
“This 4th of July, don’t risk losing your life or your independence by drinking and driving. Help make everyone’s holiday in Jackson safer by driving sober,” said Mayor Pete Muldoon “Remember,” he warned, “there’s no excuse—drive sober or get pulled over.”
The Jackson Police Department recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving.
- ? Plan a safe way home before the fun begins.
- ? Designate a sober driver or call for a ride, taxi or rideshare.
- ? Download Drive Sober Wyoming mobile app
- ? If you see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact the Jackson Police Department.
- ? If you know people who are about to drive or ride after drinking, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
