4th of July Impaired Driving Prevention
07/01/2024
This 4th of July, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is spreading awareness of the potential deadly consequences of impaired driving so that people can celebrate the holiday safely.
Car crashes are a leading cause of death for teens. In 2022, underage drinking was involved in almost one-third of young drivers’ deaths from fatal crashes. In addition, 30% of young drivers ages 15–20 who were killed in crashes had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.01 grams per deciliter or higher.1
In addition:
- From 2018 to 2022, there were 2,228 traffic crash fatalities during the July 4th holiday period.
- 487 people died in motor vehicle crashes over the July 4th holiday period in 2022.2
Two NHTSA campaigns—1) Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving; and 2) If You Feel Different, You Drive Different—address social norms around drinking and driving. The first campaign encourages people to not get behind the wheel after drinking and to plan for a safe, sober ride home. The second reminds people that it is dangerous and illegal to drive impaired.
Access these NHTSA campaign materials, including sample social media messages, talking points, graphics, and more, at https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/#8916.
1 “Drunk Driving,” NHTSA, accessed June 18, 2024, available at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving#age-5056
2 “Fourth of July,” NHTSA, Traffic Safety Marketing, accessed June 18, 2024, available at: https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/safety-topics/drunk-driving/buzzed-driving-drunk-driving/fourth-july#7076