Police remind motorists to drive sober this Fourth of July weekend

Hawai‘i Police Department and U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminds drivers that drinking and driving is deadly and never an option.

So for a safe Fourth of July celebration, remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

The days around and including the Fourth of July holiday rank every year as one of the deadliest periods on the nation’s roads.

There were 579 people killed in 2024 nationwide in traffic crashes during the holiday period; meanwhile, 1,724 drivers were killed in the total 2,719 traffic fatalities from 2020 to 2024 nationally, and 38% of those drivers were drunk.

Hawaiʻi Police Department officers so far in 2026 arrested 382 motorists for driving under the influence on Big Island roadways, and 15 fatal crashes claimed the lives of 17 people on Hawaiʻi Island.

“Behind every number is a family, a friend and a community forever changed,” said a release from Hawaiʻi Island police.

Plan for a sober ride home if your Fourth of July celebrations include alcohol or other impairing substances. Choose a designated driver, use a rideshare or taxi or stay with friends or family until you’re safe to drive.

Officers around Hawaiʻi Island will conduct increased traffic enforcement throughout the holiday weekend, focusing on impaired driving, speeding, seat belt use, distracted driving and other dangerous behaviors.

Remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

You can also take the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Safe Roads Challenge by downloading the free mobile app for iOS or Android.

The statewide program encourages safer driving habits by providing feedback on your trips, rewarding safe driving and helping build safer roads for everyone.

Learn more and join the challenge at the Hawaiʻi Safe Roads Challenge website.

“This Fourth of July, help keep our island roads safe for everyone,” police said in the release. “Buckle up, drive alert, celebrate responsibly and do your part to ensure everyone makes it home safely.

“Drive 100% percent sober, because Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.”