OHIO — The Fourth of July holiday weekend is in full swing, and as much as it’s time for a celebration others have safety on their minds.
What You Need To Know
- Regional director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Doug Scoles cautions against driving while impaired
- Drunk Driving Can Surge 38% Over the July 4th Weekend, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving
- MADD recommends using a ride share service or use a designated driver
- AAA projects the holiday weekend will set a July Fourth travel record, with more than 43 million Americans expected on the road.
Doug Scoles, regional director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, explained the dangers of driving while impaired this holiday weekend.
“Many times people forget about the impact of alcohol and if you’re going to go to a party or festivity and there’s alcohol, you need to plan before you go and too many times people don’t,” he said.
Scoles expressed some of the statistics behind driving while intoxicated.
“Thirty-eight percent of all fatality crashes involving vehicles were alcohol related. That’s much higher than the Ohio state average and the national average quite frankly, and it’s all because of this weekend,” Scoles said. An important thing to consider is the amount of drivers expected on the roads during this time. AAA estimates the holiday weekend will set a July Fourth travel record, with more than 43 million Americans expected on the road.
Scoles also offered some advice for those hitting the road.
“Don’t drink alcohol and attempt to drive, that’s number one,” he said.
The goal is to stay safe and enjoy your holiday, but Scoles made it clear that you can’t do that if you get behind the wheel while impaired.
“Being a responsible driver on the road. Driving is a privilege. No one has the right to take someone else’s life because of impairment,” he said.
He reminded people that using a Ride Share app or finding a place to stay is the best way to avoid doing this.
