Drinking a toast to Independence Day? Then get away from the wheel

MILFORD — Police patrols looking for impaired drivers have picked up for the Independence Day holiday.
The increase in patrols started last Friday and will continue through Tuesday, July 5, according to the Pennsylvania Driving Under the Influence Association.
Parades, neighborhood fairs, picnics, and fireworks are staples of Independence Day celebrations in most Pennsylvania communities. In many cases, alcohol is also part of the fun. But be sure that, if you imbibe, you stay away from the wheel.
Over the Independence Day holiday in 2015, from Friday evening through Monday, there were 2,909 crashes and 36 fatalities. Of those, 429 crashes and 15 fatalities were impaired driving-related. There were 52,382 DUI arrests in 2015. Of all DUI arrests, DUI-drug arrests continue to climb, now accounting for 50 percent of DUI arrests. There were 26,832 such arrests in 2015, an increase from 20,691 in 2014. There are now 163 Drug Recognition Expert officers in Pennsylvania specifically trained to both look for impaired drivers and assist other officers in DUI investigations where drug-impaired driving is suspected.
"Families celebrating Independence Day should not have to worry if they will encounter an impaired driver on the roads, but unfortunately it happens all too often", said Stephen Erni, Executive Director of the PA DUI Association. "Law Enforcement will be out protecting families by arresting any driver suspected of being impaired behind the wheel," he added.
Additionally, you can be arrested for BUI (boating under the influence) while operating any watercraft if you are incapable of safe operation regardless of any blood-alcohol concentration of alcohol and or drugs. The PA Fish and Boat commission will increase enforcement efforts on the rivers and lakes during the holiday as well. Boaters also need to keep in mind that they must travel on roadways to and from their water destinations.
Crashes involving DUI are entirely preventable. Motorists should keep their families, themselves, and other motorists safe by designating a driver, or not driving or riding a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Passengers should never travel with an operator under the influence. Your seatbelt is your first and best defense against a possible crash caused by an impaired driver or rider.
Parents, set examples for your children; discuss with your teenage drivers the consequences of impaired driving and the importance of seat belt usage.