Submitted on behalf of the Bedford Police Department
Chief Robert Bongiorno and the Bedford Police Department wish to remind residents of the dangers of impaired driving ahead of the July 4 holiday, which is traditionally among the deadliest times of the year on American roadways.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are more deaths due to drunk driving crashes around the Fourth of July holiday — between the evening of July 2 and the morning of July 6 — than at any other time throughout the year.
In 2016, 188 people were killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator who was impaired by alcohol. Almost half of those deaths occurred when at least one driver or operator had a BAC of .15 or higher — nearly twice the legal limit.
Drugs and alcohol can severely impair your ability to drive, and Individuals who are arrested for operating under the influence face myriad consequences, including:
- Jail time
- Loss of driver’s license and vehicle
- Fines
- Up to $10,000 in attorney fees, plus additional costs beyond fines
- If you kill someone while operating under the influence, you can face manslaughter charges.
“There’s no excuse to get behind the wheel when you’ve had too much to drink,” Chief Bongiorno said. “Driving impaired puts your life and the lives of others at risk, so please be prepared to arrange a safe ride home.”
The Bedford Police Department urges residents to observe the following tips from the NHTSA on getting home safely:
- Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, do not plan on driving.
- Designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride share service to get home safely.
- Take the keys away from individuals who are drunk and are planning to drive.
- If you see an impaired driver on the road, call local law enforcement.
NHTSA’s mobile app, SaferRide, allows users to call a taxi or a friend and identify their location so they can be picked up safely. Residents who will be drinking during the holiday are also encouraged to use apps like Lyft or Uber in order to call a ride, rather than drive themselves.
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