Ahead of July 4th celebrations the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety reminds drivers buzzed driving is impaired driving

AUGUSTA – This Independence Day, law enforcement agencies in Maine will be working hard to reduce impaired driving. The primary goal of the law enforcement presence  will be to prevent the tragedies previously seen around the July 4th holiday. So far this year,  there have been 14 fatalities on Maine roadways in which the operator of a motor vehicle or motorcycle was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Impaired driving puts you and your passengers and everyone on the road at risk. Furthermore, an OUI conviction costs thousands of dollars and for the cost of a sober ride, that can be avoided. A decision to drive sober will keep everyone on Maine roadways safe. Here in Maine, between 2016 and 2021, there were 12 fatalities due to motor vehicle crashes during the July 4th holiday period.

“Due to many COVID restrictions, Maine experienced a low number of fatal crashes during the  July 4th holiday over the past few years. With many of the restrictions now lifted, we are expecting more motorists on our roadways. We have an opportunity to further reduce the  state’s fatal crash statistics, making our state a great place to live, work and raise a family,” said York County Sheriff William King Jr. “It will also make Maine more attractive to our  summer visitors. We can make a difference!”

Safe driving begins with responsible choices: 

• Remember that it is never okay to drive while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 

• Designate a sober driver, plan to stay where you are, or plan to use public transportation/ ride service to get home safely. 

• Watch out for possible impaired drivers on Maine roadways. If you see an impaired driver on  the road, call 9-1-1- or contact your local police department immediately. 

The Maine Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Highway Safety wants to remind motorists  to always drive safely, and especially to drive sober this July 4th holiday.  

“Independence Day is a day to celebrate the freedom to make choices, please make the right  choice and choose not to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Losing your driver license and/or your life is no way to celebrate independence!” says Lauren Stewart, highway safety director. 

For more information on the risks of impaired driving, please visit our website at https://www.maine.gov/dps/bhs/impaired-driving/.