This Fourth of July, ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ by

The Ione Police Department

Ione, CA – The Fourth of July is one of America’s favorite holidays. And why not? Families and friends 

gather to celebrate our country with food, parades, parties, picnics and fireworks. 

And yet there is a very dark side to this great holiday. For many, the celebration includes alcohol, and the 

holiday can quickly go from festive to fatal when people choose to drive after drinking. From 2009-2013, 

nearly 40 percent of ALL traffic fatalities over the Fourth of July period occurred in alcohol-impaired-

driving crashes. Of the five major holiday periods of the year in California, the Fourth of July ranks as 

having the highest daily fatality rate.

Over the Fourth of July holiday period in 2013 alone (6 p.m. July 3rd to 5:59 a.m. July 8th), there were 199 

people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes on our nation’s roads, according to the National 

Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In California, 28 individuals were killed in Alcohol 

Involved crashes.

To crack down on drunk driving this Fourth of July, the Ione Police Department will be out in full force, 

aggressively targeting those who put lives in danger. DUI Saturation Patrols will be deployed during the 

holiday weekend and all patrol officers will be alert to the tell tale signs of an impaired driver

NHTSA data shows that 10,076 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in the United States in 

2013—representing almost a third of all crash fatalities. By comparison, during the July Fourth period 

that year, 39 percent of all crash fatalities involved alcohol-impaired drivers. 

The rate of high-BAC impaired driving is astounding. In fatal crashes during the July Fourth period in 

2013, more than one-fifth (21%) of involved drivers or motorcycle operators had BACs of .15 or 

higher—almost twice the legal limit.

NHTSA data also reveals that 35 percent of young drivers (18 to 34 years old) were driving drunk (BAC 

of .08 or higher) in fatal crashes over the July Fourth period in 2013. Motorcycle operators are also 

overrepresented as the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers in fatal crashes. In 2013, more than 

one-quarter (27%) of motorcycle operators in fatal crashes had BACs of .08 or higher. 

Drunk drivers are more common at night, too. Over the July 4th holiday in 2013, more than two fifths 

(42%) of the drivers in nighttime fatal crashes (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.) were alcohol-impaired, as compared 

to 13 percent of drivers in fatal crashes during the day. 

If you’re caught driving drunk or drug impaired, you will be arrested. Aside from putting your life and the 

lives of others at risk, driving impaired can also lead to serious consequences. A DUI arrest can mean 

time in jail, loss of your license, and steep financial expenses; the average DUI costs about $10,000. 

Law enforcement region-wide is asking for everyone’s support this holiday weekend and all summer 

long:

Plan a safe way home before the fun begins.

Before drinking, designate a sober driver.

DDVIP: The California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP mobile app is now available for free 

download on iOS and Android devices. Launched last year, the new DDVIP app offers enhanced 

features, allowing users to “Map a Spot” with their current location to find DDVIP partnering 

establishments in their area or a “List of Spots” to search all participating bars and restaurants 

throughout California. Users can stay up-to-date with the latest from DDVIP and see what other 

users are saying via its social tab. Also through the app, for those who want to imbibe but also 

make it a point to plan ahead, users can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb – all 

from one screen.  

DRUGS, MEDICATION & ALCOHOL= CRASHES:  Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of 

drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems.  A study of active drivers showed 

more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 

percent).  Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.

If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate “Report Drunk Drivers! Call 911!”

If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take your friend’s keys and 

help your friend make other arrangements to get to where he or she is going safely. 

Funding for the special DUI operation is by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through 

the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  The Avoid DUI Task Force will deploy checkpoints 

and DUI patrols next during the August/Labor Day DUI Mobilization.

CONTACT:  Chief Tracy Busby, Ione Police Chief (209) 274-2456 Ext 108  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.