The Fourth of July is a favorite American holiday filled with fun, food, family, friends, and fireworks. But celebrating can quickly turn to tragedy when people choose to drive impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety is urging everyone to plan ahead when celebrating Independence Day.

All motorists should be aware that law enforcement agencies throughout Maine will be working hard to reduce impaired driving. The goal is to avoid preventable tragedies around the July 4th holiday.

“The decision to drive impaired puts you, your passengers, and everyone sharing the road with you at risk,” said BHS, in a news release.

Here in Maine, between 2018 and 2022, there were 5 fatalities due to motor vehicle crashes during the July 4th holiday period. Upon investigation, the following behaviors were determined to be the major contributing factors that led to the fatal crashes; one was impairment and speed, one was speed, one was driver inattention (distracted), and one was failure to yield right of way, which resulted in a double fatality.

“Choosing to drive after drinking or using recreational drugs is just that – a choice. It is not an accident,” said Lauren Stewart, Maine’s Highway Safety Director, “and bad choices tend to have bad results.”

Furthermore, an OUI conviction could cost a person thousands of dollars, time in jail and several other inconveniences in a person’s life. For the cost of a sober ride, all of that can easily be avoided.

The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety would like to offer the following tips to help all motorists celebrating the July 4th Holiday, do so safely and responsibly:

• Know that it is never okay to drive while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

• Plan ahead and designate a sober driver, plan to stay where you are, or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.

• Be on the lookout for possible impaired drivers on Maine roadways. If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 9-1-1 or contact your local law enforcement agency immediately.

The Maine Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Highway Safety encourages all Maine motorists and visiting tourists to always drive safely, and especially to drive sober during this July 4th Holiday.

July 4th Holiday Weekend Fatalities