Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over This 4th of July

 The dangers of driving under the influence. – Courtesy photo / U.S. Air Force, Senior Airman Mike Meares

The 4th of July holiday is a time to enjoy fireworks and show country pride but is also traditionally one of the more dangerous times on the road. To keep families safe this Independence Day, The Pasadena Police Department will be on the lookout for impaired driving during the Fourth of July holiday.

According to preliminary data from the California Highway Patrol, seven people were killed and 73 injured in alcohol-related crashes statewide on the 4th of July last year. Every deadly crash involved a driver who had been drinking.

“Drinking and driving is a bad combination,” Pasadena Police Department Lieutenant Mark Goodman said. “The consequences are abundantly clear, yet people still make the poor decision to drive after drinking. Please be smart and make this 4th of July holiday a fun and memorable one.”

If you are headed to 4th of July parties, designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening. If you are hosting a party, offer nonalcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor who is drinking. See people leaving who have been drinking? Check how they are getting home. Offer to let them stay the night or assist them in getting home with a sober driver.

“Driving with just a buzz doesn’t cut it,” Lieutenant Goodman said. “With the rise in ride-share options, there really is no excuse for driving impaired.”

The average cost of a DUI arrest is approximately $13,500, accounting for vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, auto insurance hikes and other penalties. The Pasadena Police Department also reminds residents that prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana can all be impairing and land you a DUI, especially in combination with alcohol and/or other drugs.

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