Drive safe this holiday

The Fourth of July is celebrated by friends and families nationwide. It’s a time for Americans to fire up the barbecue, hoist the flag and grab a seat for that spectacular fireworks display. But before you head out for the celebrations, make sure you plan a sober way home.

Hot Springs County law enforcement is taking part in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign during the holiday to help put an end to drunk driving. In support of law enforcement’s dedication to protecting lives, you’ll see increased enforcement on the roads with zero tolerance for those who drive impaired.

During the 2017 Fourth of July holiday period — 6 p.m. June 30 until 5:59 a.m. July 5 — 237 people were killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. These deaths accounted for 39 percent of the total motor vehicle traffic crashes that occurred over the holiday period. The deaths also represent a 23 percent increase from 2016, during which 192 people were killed in the same holiday period.

“We want to be very clear about the consequences of drunk driving,” Thermopolis Police Chief Julie Mathews said. “In all states, drunk driving is illegal. It’s deadly, and a risk we don’t want to see people take. Make no mistake — if you are caught drinking and driving, you will be pulled over and arrested. Driving under the influence of any substance will land you in jail.”

Hot Springs County Sheriff Jerimie Kraushaar said, “Sadly, many people think driving impaired is a joke or a challenge. The consequences are serious. If we catch you driving under the influence of alcohol, we will arrest you and you’ll receive a DUI. That DUI will follow you throughout your life. Under no circumstances is it ever acceptable to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after you’ve been drinking. Doing so endangers you and everyone on the road with you. If you’re heading to Fourth of July parties this summer, remember — Dive Sober of Get Pulled Over.

“This should not come as a surprise to drivers in this country. In most states, it is illegal to drive with a BAC over .08. But since people aren’t getting it, and since thousands of people are still dying as a result of this behavior year after year, we will be patrolling over the holiday season and we will accept absolutely zero excuses.”

Mathews and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urge drivers to designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening. If you plan on drinking, plan on not driving.

Remember these tips for a safe night on the roads:

•Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’re had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.

•If you see a drink driver on the road, contact the Thermopolis Police Department at 864-3114 or the Hot Springs County Sheriff’s Office at 864-2622.

•Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

The NHTSA also provides the SaferRide mobile application, which allows users to contact a taxi or a predetermined friend, and identifies the user’s location so he or she can be picked up.