Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving
From the Police Department
As the nation celebrates Independence Day, the Franklin Lakes Police Department and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are warning drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving. Help NHTSA and the Franklin Lakes Police Department share this message: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
Every year, the Fourth of July holiday ranks as one of the deadliest periods on the nation’s roads. From 2019 to 2023, there were 2,653 traffic fatalities during the holiday period, 1,679 of whom were the driver. Thirty-eight percent (643) of those drivers were drunk. Of the 1,679 drivers killed, the 21-34 age group had the highest percentage (48%) of drunk drivers.
“Impaired driving is never acceptable. For some people, even one drink is too many to drive safely. While everyone is making plans with friends and family for Fourth of July festivities, it is crucial to also make plans for a sober ride home and completely rule out drinking and driving,” said Sergeant Denny Knubel. “We’re partnering with NHTSA to remind drivers that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Celebrating our nation's independence safely is our biggest responsibility.”
Drivers should be safe during this Independence Day holiday by planning ahead if they intend to drink. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere. Impairment clouds a person’s judgment. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home.
This Fourth of July, The Franklin Lakes Police Department and NHTSA urge drivers to designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening. If you plan on drinking, plan how you will get around without driving.
Remember these tips for a safe night on the roads:
As the nation celebrates Independence Day, the Franklin Lakes Police Department and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are warning drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving. Help NHTSA and the Franklin Lakes Police Department share this message: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
Every year, the Fourth of July holiday ranks as one of the deadliest periods on the nation’s roads. From 2019 to 2023, there were 2,653 traffic fatalities during the holiday period, 1,679 of whom were the driver. Thirty-eight percent (643) of those drivers were drunk. Of the 1,679 drivers killed, the 21-34 age group had the highest percentage (48%) of drunk drivers.
“Impaired driving is never acceptable. For some people, even one drink is too many to drive safely. While everyone is making plans with friends and family for Fourth of July festivities, it is crucial to also make plans for a sober ride home and completely rule out drinking and driving,” said Sergeant Denny Knubel. “We’re partnering with NHTSA to remind drivers that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Celebrating our nation's independence safely is our biggest responsibility.”
Drivers should be safe during this Independence Day holiday by planning ahead if they intend to drink. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere. Impairment clouds a person’s judgment. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home.
This Fourth of July, The Franklin Lakes Police Department and NHTSA urge drivers to designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening. If you plan on drinking, plan how you will get around without driving.
Remember these tips for a safe night on the roads:
- Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, citizens are urged to call 911.
- Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.