Be a hero: Designate or be a sober driver this Fourth of July

There’s nothing wrong with celebrating our freedom by having a few drinks. Just remember, when imbibing infringes upon the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness for others, it becomes a problem.

So this Fourth of July and the following holiday weekend, be a hero and make sure everyone’s freedom is protected. Be or designate a sober driver.

The Hawai‘i Police Department and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration remind Big Island residents that even a small amount of alcohol can impair your ability to drive. A blood alcohol concentration as low as .02 can affect your multitasking abilities, significantly impacting your driving skills.

Historically, Independence Day sees an increase in impaired driving crashes, putting lives at risk. From 2008 to 2023, 11 people lost their lives in crashes during the month of July on Big island roads.

Sadly, alcohol impairment was involved in 39% of all fatal traffic crashes on the island from 2018 to 2023. That percentage climbs to nearly 69% when drug impairment is included.

In the first half of this year, there have been 20 traffic fatalities around the island compared to 10 by this time last year. There have also been 498 major crashes to date, a 16% increase from the 429 crashes by this time last year.

“Hawai‘i Police Department will be out in force this Fourth of July to ensure our roads stay safe,” said Torey Keltner, traffic services program manager for the department. “Please do your part and drive safely so everyone makes it home alive.”

Here are some tips for celebrating safely and getting home without driving impaired:

• Plan ahead: If you will be drinking, arrange for a sober ride home before festivities begin.
• Designate a sober driver: Even if you had just one drink, ensure your driver consumed no alcohol whatsoever.
• Offer non-alcoholic options: If you’re hosting a gathering, provide plenty of non-alcoholic beverages to support designated drivers.
• Intervene responsibly: If a friend intends to drive impaired, take their keys and arrange a safe way for them to get home.
• Report impaired driving: If you see an impaired driver on the road, pull over safely and call 9-1-1.
• Buckle up: Always wear your seat belt. It’s your best defense against crashes.

Remember, impaired driving isn’t limited to alcohol. Drug-impaired driving poses a similar danger. Whether legal or illegal, driving under the influence of drugs is dangerous and illegal.

If you feel different, you drive different.