Iowa City Police Department reminds motorists to drive sober this Fourth of July

This Fourth of July, the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is working with law enforcement nationwide to reduce impaired driving with the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. NHTSA and the Iowa City Police Department are sharing this reminder for all drivers: If you plan to drink alcohol, plan ahead for a sober driver. Even one or two alcoholic drinks can cause impairment. The goal is to save lives during what is usually one of the deadliest holidays on our roads.

According to NHTSA, 493 people died in motor vehicle crashes nationwide between 6 p.m. July 2, 2020, and 5:59 a.m. July 6, 2020. Of those fatal crashes, 201 involved alcohol.

If your plans for celebrating the Fourth of July include drinking this year, Iowa City Police Department and NHTSA recommend having a plan to ensure you get home safely. Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service.