Over the next several days, the nation will celebrate the 4th of July. As a reminder to everyone, the Allen County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol as well as other local law enforcement will be working to enforce Ohio’s impaired driving laws throughout the holiday to keep our roadways safe from impaired drivers.

According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, someone in the United States dies in an alcohol-impaired-driving crash every 50 minutes. In America during 2018, there were 10,511 traffic fatalities that were the result of impaired driving; 193 fatalities happened during the July 4th Holiday. 

There should never be a crash that is the result of impaired driving – NOBODY should ever die in a drug or alcohol related crash. Impaired driving is against the law; that’s why there is a crackdown on impaired driving during the July 4th holiday. We are reminding everyone this July 4th, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Remember” Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving”!

Throughout the July 4th holiday weekend, law enforcement officers will be on the lookout for impaired drivers – not only in Allen County but across the nation. 

Impaired driving will not be tolerated. Impaired drivers stand to lose a lot – driver’s license, time from job, and money in high fines and court cost. In addition, violators risk injury or death for themselves and others – and if things go very wrong – possible imprisonment for vehicular manslaughter or homicide. 

Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive:

• Even if you had only one alcoholic beverage, plan to find another way or designate a sober driver
• Spend the night where the even is being held 
• Report impaired drivers to law enforcement 
• Don’t let your friends drink and drive