Increased Highway Patrol Over Fourth of July Holiday

LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas law enforcement will be teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility impaired driving enforcement campaign during the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend. The primary goal of the increased law enforcement presence will be to help prevent tragedies previously seen around the July 4th holiday, the Arkansas State Police announced. According to NHTSA, 13,384 motor vehicle crash-related deaths in 2021 involved alcohol-impaired drivers. This represented 31 percent of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. for the year, and a 14.2 percent increase from 2020. That same year, 538 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the July 4th holiday alone (6 p.m. July 2 to 5:59 a.m. July 6). Thirty-nine percent (212) of those fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. With many Fourth of July festivities wrapping up in the evening or late at night, more cars are on the roads at night. Over the 2021 July 4th holiday period, of the 212 people who died in alcohol-impaired motor vehicle traffic crashes, 82 percent of those fatalities occurred in nighttime crashes (6 p.m.–5:59 a.m.). "During the July 4th holiday, we will pull over and arrest drunk drivers," said Col. Mike Hagar, Arkansas Public Safety Secretary. "We have zero tolerance. Everyone knows the law: It is illegal to drink and drive. Still, people ignore the danger and drive after consuming alcohol. We know how to spot a drunk driver on the road. Drunk driving is selfish and arrogant, and it endangers the drivers, their passengers, and other people on the road." Arkansas State Police remind motorists that a few dollars spent on a ride is a lot cheaper than a DWI, which can cost up to $10,000. Something else to consider: Don't ever be too proud or embarrassed to ask for a ride. Allowing a sober driver to help you get hom...