Traffic Safety:

Driving July 4th

Driving July 4th is the second deadliest day of the year on the road according to NHTSA.  New Year's is number 1, all due to impaired driving.

Quick Notes

• In 2004, 48 percent of all traffic fatalities that occurred during the 4th of July involved the vehicle operator having a blood alcohol level above .01.  89% of those had a level above .08 the illegal limit.
• The term for the day is "Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving".
• Look for signs of drunk drivers:  Weaving, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, no lights when it is dark.
• Use a taxi or bus.  Designate the sober driver.
• Stop your friends from driving.  Make them spend the night if need be.
• In 2004 more than 15,000 died as a result of someone driving under the influence in the United States.

I believe many of us drive while under the influence, and most likely think they do ok doing it.  They believe that they are a good driver.  Guess what?  You don't have to kill someone to go to jail.  You could be just getting pulled over for a routine traffic violation, but this time you go directly to jail instead of getting a ticket.

According to a MonkeyMeter Poll taken in 2005 17% of you have admitted to driving under the influence, AND getting arrested.

Don't Drink and Drive!

*Information provided by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration