Celebrate Safely This Fourth of July!

Fourth of July is the Deadliest Weekend on the Road Due to Drunk Driving

In 2019, 515 people died in motor vehicle crashes over the July 4th holiday period and 38% of fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver.

As we head into the Fourth of July weekend, we want to remind everyone to stay safe. While it's exciting to be able to gather with friends and family this year, please celebrate safely. If you're going to drink alcohol or use any substance, do it responsibly! Don't drink or use marijuana and drive a car, boat or motorcycle.

Here are 5 ways to stay safe:

1. Pick a designated driver.

If you are riding to a party with other people, choose who will not drink so they can safely drive home.

2. Use Uber, Lyft, a cab or public transportation.

If you don't have a designated driver and you have been drinking or plan to, have the Uber or Lyft app ready, call a cab or use public transit.

3. Take the keys away.

Whether you are the party host or just a friend, take the keys away from anyone who wants to drive while impaired. Here are some tips for having that conversation from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

4. Know you can be impaired even if your blood alcohol concentration isn't at 0.08% (DUI level).

Alcohol affects your driving ability even if you aren't legally intoxicated. See the chart below to find out how your driving is affected. This is based on a standard drink. You can also use this calculator to give you an estimated length of time it takes for alcohol to be completely out of your system based on your age and weight. This is for informational purposes only, not to decide whether to drive!

5. Know the signs of alcohol poisoning.

Keep an eye out for friends and family who may have had too much to drink. If they exhibit any signs of alcohol poisoning, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately.

• Mental confusion, stupor

• Difficulty remaining conscious, or inability to wake up

• Vomiting

• Seizures

• Slow breathing (fewer than 8 breaths per minute)

• Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths)

• Slow heart rate

• Clammy skin

• Dulled responses, such as no gag reflex (which prevents choking)

• Extremely low body temperature, bluish skin color, or paleness

Don't forget, serving minors alcohol or marijuana is dangerous and illegal

Help prevent underage drinking and substance use. Don't serve minors alcohol or marijuana at your home. Many people think it's ok for their teens to drink or use substances if it's at their own home. It is still dangerous and it's also against the law.

Connecticut passed its Social Host or “House Party” Law in 2012. This law made the property owner fully responsible for any underage drinking on their property regardless of if they were aware of it. Allowing teens to drink in your home or on your property can result in a $2,000 fine, court ordered evaluations, jail time, probation, or even criminal charges. The same law applies to allowing minors to use marijuana on your property. Click the image below to view the law enforcement guide.