Say No to Drunk Driving this Independence Day

The Fourth of July is one of the most enjoyable holidays because it brings citizens together to celebrate one commonality: their independence and heritage. Not to mention that it gives us an excuse to plan cookouts, parties, and social events. As you gather with your loved ones this Independence Day, we ask that you keep in mind the dangers that are associated with the holiday as well, if only so that you and your loved ones do not experience those perils.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released data from the 4th of July holidays between 2007 and 2011, which states that there were 780 deaths in car wrecks caused by intoxicated drivers. That’s 40 percent of all automobile accident fatalities in that time period. These numbers are staggering. In an effort to prevent drunk driving and lessen those numbers this July 4th holiday season, Jones & Swanson is partnering with various organizations, including the NHTSA, in an initiative to prevent drunk driving on Georgia roadways.

There are two very important truths that we want readers to be aware of:

1. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
2. Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

Many Georgians believe that they can get away with driving after a few drinks because they aren’t truly “drunk”. This simply is not true. There will be an increased number of law enforcement officials on Georgia roadways during the 4th of July holiday weekend with one thing on their minds: intoxicated drivers. And just because you aren’t “wasted” does not mean you can’t get arrested for drunk driving. In all 50 states, the limit on blood alcohol concentration, of BAC, is .08 grams. It doesn’t take as much as you’d think to blow over the limit. You might be surprised at the affects that as little as two alcoholic beverages can have on a person’s body.

The source of intoxicated drivers can be determined by researching the typical drunken driver. Drivers between the ages of 18 and 34 are typically involved in fatal crashes as a result of drunk driving more than other age groups. Also, motorcyclists tend to be involved in fatal drunken crashes more than drivers of trucks or cars. In 2012 alone, 27 percent of motorcycle drivers were intoxicated in the number of fatal crashes. It is also more dangerous to drive between the hours of 6 PM and 6 AM because intoxicated drivers typically operate their vehicles at night. The Fourth of July holiday weekend will be no different, as drunk drivers will mostly stem from people leaving parties and celebrations after they are over, typically at night.

This 4th of July, we challenge you to not only abstain from drunk driving yourself, but to educate others and attempt to keep other intoxicated drivers off Georgia roadways as well. If we as a population make drunk driving seem “unpopular”, perhaps the number of innocent lives lost will decrease this Independence Day. It is never ok to drive drunk, or even to drive tipsy. Designate a driver this weekend so that we can all have an enjoyable holiday.

Have a Happy Fourth of July from all of us at Jones & Swanson!