DES MOINES, Iowa–As we celebrate America’s independence this Fourth of July, the Perry Police Department, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) want to remind drivers that “no one’s a good drunk driver.”
In 2022, a person was killed every 39 minutes in a drunk-driving crash on our nation’s roads. This year, from July 3 to July 7, law enforcement across Iowa will be on high alert for signs of drunk driving and taking necessary steps to remove these dangers from the road.
Every year, the Fourth of July stands out as one of the deadliest times on Iowa roads. Between 2019 and 2023, there were 32 traffic fatalities during the holiday, with 50% of those being alcohol-related deaths.
“If you sense any level of buzz, it is your duty to stay away from the driver’s seat,” says GTSB Bureau Chief Brett Tjepkes. “For some people, even one drink is too many to drive safely. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t realize how impaired they are or feel they’re still good to drive after consuming alcohol. That’s why GTSB launched a new campaign this year to remind Iowans, no one’s a good drunk driver.
Lots of planning goes into Fourth of July festivities, so plan for a sober driver. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, be proactive — take away the keys, find a safe ride home or offer a couch.
This Fourth of July, the Perry Police Department, the GTSB and the 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. If you wait until after you’ve been drinking to make this decision, you’re already too impaired to make the right choices.
Remember these tips for a safe Independence Day weekend:
- 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 available, use your community’s sober ride program.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact the Perry Police Department.
- See a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take his or her keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
This Fourth of July and every day, drive only if you’re 100% sober, because no one is a good drunk driver. For more information on impaired driving, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.
The GTSB works with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce death and injury on Iowa’s roadways using federally funded grants.
