Help Prevent Impaired Driving and Underage Drinking During Independence Day

July 4th falls on a Sunday this year, giving families a three-day weekend to celebrate, which also means that more people will be on the roads. Coalitions can play a big role in helping to prevent impaired driving and underage drinking through environmental strategies, social norming activities and by working with local police on enforcement activities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has developed a 4th of July Impaired Driving Prevention Planner to help community organizations plan their prevention efforts.

Impaired driving is one of America’s deadliest problems. In 2008, 37,261 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes. Out of that number 11,773 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. The July 4th holiday is particularly dangerous. For example, in 2008 during the July 4th holiday period there were a total of 491 traffic related fatalities. Out of that number, 43 percent involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 or higher.

The planner includes information on buzzed driving, a female-targeted campaign and the “Drunk Driving. Over the limit. Under Arrest” media campaign.

For more information and to download a July 4th planner, go to www.StopImpairedDriving.org.