Press Release: Impaired Driving Fatalities Skyrocket Over Fourth of July in Colorado

****  For Immediate Release  ****

Impaired Driving Fatalities Skyrocket Over Fourth of July in Colorado

July 2, 2024

Fort Collins, Colorado – As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, No DUI Larimer is issuing a critical reminder about the dangers of impaired driving. Independence Day is a time for celebration, but it is also one of the deadliest days on the roads. Statistics show a significant increase in traffic fatalities during this period, with impaired driving leading the list of causes.

 

According to recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), impaired driving accounts for nearly 40% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. during the Independence Day holiday period. The combination of alcohol, fireworks, and festivities often leads to impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and increased risk of accidents.

In addition to alcohol, impaired driving can also result from other substances, including marijuana and prescription drugs. It is crucial for drivers to understand all forms of impairment.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs not only endangers your life but also the lives of others on the road. No DUI Larimer strongly recommends Coloradoans use the following safety tips.

 

TIPS TO CELEBRATE SAFELY

 

Plan a sober ride – If you plan to drink, make a plan ahead of time for a sober ride home.

 

Use a designated driver – Even if you’ve had only one drink, let someone who hasn’t been drinking take you home. A sober driver is one who does not drink at all, not the one who’s had the least to drink.

 

Host responsibly – If you’re hosting a Fourth of July gathering, help the designated drivers out by making sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages.

 

Help a friend – Have a friend who is about to drive impaired? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

 

Call 911 – If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 911.

 

FOURTH OF JULY IMPAIRED DRIVING STATS

 

• In 2022, 487 people died in traffic crashes during the Fourth of July holiday period (NHTSA)
• The 21-34 age group had the highest percent (50%) of drunk drivers (NHTSA)
• 85% of fatal crashes occurred at night, between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. (MADD)
• In the last five years in Colorado, 52% of all roadway fatalities during the Independence Day holiday reporting period involved suspected impaired drivers (CDOT)
• Independence Day is part of the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal crashes spike statewide (CDOT)

ABOUT NO DUI LARIMER

No DUI Larimer is working to get the word out about the dangers and consequences of teen impaired driving and offering solutions and tips on how to avoid or curb the effects on the greater community. No DUI Larimer, a coalition and campaign born out of the need to address the problem of impaired driving in Larimer County and Northern Colorado, is working to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances. This project is a joint effort between law enforcement, government agencies, alcohol and cannabis retailers, local nonprofits, and community members, working together to encourage the general public to “Make the Call” to end impaired driving.

 

No DUI Larimer is focusing on prevention efforts – education, tools, and messaging for groups and individuals who tend to risk driving regularly with elevated BACs, and who are involved in a higher number of alcohol-related crashes. Studies have shown that young people, ages 16-24, tend to have the highest number of drivers involved in DUI/DWI crashes with a BAC at or above legal intoxication levels and are the most likely group to drive within 2 hours of consuming cannabis (Colorado Department of Transportation). The goal of the next arm of the No DUI campaign is to reduce the number of DUI/DWI related crashes with this age group at the wheel.

 

No DUI encourages all citizens to remain vigilant and to plan ahead when consuming alcohol. If you are the designated driver, make a commitment to 100% sobriety to keep you, your friends, and your family safe.

 

If you see an impaired driver on the road, please “Make the Call” and contact local law enforcement (911) immediately.

Remember: If you feel different, you drive different.

No DUI Larimer Mission:

The No DUI Larimer coalition and campaign was born out of the need to address the problem of impaired driving in our community. The goal is to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances by increasing community responsibility for safe and responsible driving.

 Our campaign is encouraging the public to “Make the Call” to end impaired driving in our community. Make the Call to get a safe ride home. Make the Call about whether you should get behind the wheel, and Make the Call to report suspected impaired drivers. Driving under the influence IS an emergency – please call 911 if you see someone you suspect is driving impaired.

Partners, who absorbed this project from the former nonprofit, Team Wellness & Prevention, is the lead agency on this five-year project. Partners has engaged a steering committee and named the project NO DUI LARIMER.

Contact: Heather Vesgaard, Executive Director – Partners    hvesgaard@poweredbypartners.org