Every 40 minutes and nearly 40 times a day, someone in the United States dies in an alcohol-impaired traffic crash according to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This is why the Stark County Sheriff's Office, along with other law enforcement agencies, will be out in force during the Fourth of July holiday cracking down on impaired drivers.
During the July 4th holiday period in 2007, there were a total of 200 traffic-related fatalities. Of those, 44 percent involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 or higher. Too many people still fail to understand that alcohol and driving do not mix. Impaired driving is no accident, nor is it a victimless crime. It is vitally important that everyone bring this tragic situation to an end.
By following a few simple steps you can help to make this holiday safer for everyone. Plan a safe way home or designate a sober driver before the party starts. If you are impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation to get home safely.
Do not celebrate our freedom this holiday by losing yours. Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk. Keep the roadway safe for others and yourself. Remember this July 4th - Over the Limit - Under Arrest.
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