07/02/2026
As the nation celebrates Independence Day, the Brown County Sheriff's Office, the Department of Public Safety-Office of Highway Safety, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reminding drivers that drinking and driving is deadly and never an option. Please join us in sharing this message for a safe celebration of Independence Day:
Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
Every year, the days around and including the Fourth of July holiday rank as one of the deadliest periods on the nation’s roads. In 2024, there were 579 people killed in traffic crashes during the holiday period. From 2020 to 2024, there were 1,724 driver fatalities of the 2,719 total traffic fatalities. Thirty-eight percent of those drivers were 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. We’re partnering with the Department of Public Safety-Office of Highway Safety, and NHTSA to remind drivers that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Celebrating our nation's independence safely is our biggest responsibility.
If a driver intends to drink during an Independence Day festivity, he or she should plan ahead for a safe ride home by securing a designated driver or calling a taxi or rideshare. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere. Impairment clouds a person’s judgment and endangers others on the road.
If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive — take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots a drunk driver, contact local law enforcement.
Drive 100% sober, because Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. For more information on impaired driving, visit NHTSA.gov/ImpairedDriving, https://drivesafesd.com/impaired-driving/.
