The 4th of July holiday is a time to proudly celebrate our great country, but is also traditionally one of the more dangerous times on the road.
To keep families safe this Independence Day, the Newport Beach Police Department will have increased enforcement focused on impaired driving during the 4th 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 July 4th last year. Every deadly crash involved a driver who had been drinking.
“Drinking and driving is a bad combination,” Newport Beach Police Department Lieutenant Cartwright 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. If you see people leaving who have been drinking, check on how they are getting home. Offer to let them stay the night if a sober driver is not available to take them home.
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 Newport Beach Police Department also reminds residents that prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana can all be impairing and lead to a DUI, especially in combination with alcohol and/or other drugs. “Driving with just a buzz doesn’t cut it,” Lieutenant Cartwright said. “With so many ride-share options available, there really is no excuse for driving impaired.”
Funding for increased DUI enforcement was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
