Freedom: 250 years and on

Cities gear up to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on July 4. Events and holidays, like Memorial Day, prepare us.

I was 16 in 1992 , and my life changed when a drunk driver hit me. Freedom and driving laws are linked to ensure public safety.

In 2024, California made 1,336 DUI arrests during its Fourth of July law enforcement period. The state made 1,311 DUI arrests during the same period in 2025.

Sober driving protects everyone’s freedom. There is no legal “freedom” to drive drunk. Don’t enjoy America’s 250th birthday behind bars, in the hospital or dead.

If you see someone driving erratic on any road, like Highway 36, notify law enforcement immediately. They will stop that driver.

Follow laws to stay true to the country we call home.

Lori Martin, Tracy, California