As Kentuckians celebrate the Fourth of July holiday weekend, the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety, part of the Transportation Cabinet, is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind drivers that “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.”
Unfortunately, the holiday weekend can create dangerous driving situations when individuals choose to drive while impaired. Last year in Kentucky, there were 83 crashes involving a drunken and/or drugged driver over the Fourth of July holiday period, resulting in 36 injuries and four deaths.
“We want all Kentuckians to enjoy their Independence Day festivities,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “However, we encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly by booking a safe ride home or designating a sober driver if your celebrations include alcohol. The top priority for everyone has to be keeping themselves and others safe.”
Transportation Secretary Jim Gray said impaired driving is 100 percent preventable. “Drivers must understand that drugs and/or alcohol not only hinder your ability to drive, but also affect your judgment about whether you can or should drive. You may think you’re fine, but impairment slows judgment, coordination, and reaction times.”
According to the NHTSA, impaired driving fatalities typically spike during holidays. To prevent tragedies from occurring, they recommend the following:
• Before the festivities begin, plan a way to get home at the end of the night safely;
• If you’re impaired, use a ride-booking company, taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation to get home safely;
• If you see an impaired driver, safely pull over and contact law enforcement. You may dial the KSP toll-free line directly at 1-800-222-5555 or call 911.
• If you know people who are about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.
• Wear a seat belt. It is not only the law, it is also the best defense against an impaired driver. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death if involved in a crash.
Gray added, “If you are under the influence of any substance and choose to get behind the wheel, you put everyone on the road in danger, including yourself. Remember, ‘buzzed driving is drunk driving.’”
