SPD urges responsible celebrations on the Fourth of July
The Susanville Police Department reminds drivers to do their part to keep everyone safe on the road this Fourth of July weekend by planning ahead and celebrate the holiday responsibly.
In 2021, more than 500 people were killed in crashes throughout the country during the Fourth of July weekend. Of those deadly crashes, 39 percent involved alcohol. In California, 44 people were killed in crashes during last year’s Independence Day weekend. In addition, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers made nearly 1,000 arrests for driving under the influence throughout the 3 1⁄4-day holiday enforcement period.
If you plan on drinking this weekend, the SPD wants you to be safe and be smart by making a plan to go safely with a sober ride home.
While some festivities may include alcohol, driving under the influence also includes impairment from prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana. Do your research and be informed about how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.
If you are hosting friends and family for barbecues and watching fireworks shows, offer nonalcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor who is drinking. If you see people leaving who have been drinking, offer to have them stay the night or make arrangements for them to take a sober ride home.
If you see someone who appears impaired or driving recklessly, call 911.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
