Community Corner

Don't Drink and Drive on July 4—Or Ever, Says AAA

New Jersey auto club says new data shows July 4 is the deadliest day of the year for the nation's roadways.

As Parsippany residents prepare for Independence Day weekend trips and holiday celebrations, auto club AAA and its AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety warns travelers to be extra cautious on the road. According to recent analysis of national crash data by the AAAFTS, between 2000-2009, more people died in motor vehicle crashes on July 4 than on any other day of the year.

Road fatalities remain the leading cause of death for all people from birth thrugh age 34, and many of these deaths involve drivers impaired by alcohol. The auto club's data also indicates that Independence Day is the second deadliest day for drunk driving deaths, just behind New Year’s Day. Between 2000 and 2009, an average of 40 percent of Juy 4 traffic fatalities involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit (.08 or higher), according to  the AAAFTS.

“Drunk drivers put everyone on the road in danger and these numbers are a frightening reminder of how easily a holiday celebration can turn to tragedy,” AAAFTS President and CEO Peter Kissinger said in a statement. “Drive safe and sober this Fourth of July weekend to help ensure the only red, white and blue lights filling the sky are from fireworks, not emergency vehicles.”

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AAAFTS urges motorists everywhere to visit TakeThePledge.AAA.com to sign a quick online pledge to drive only while drug- and alcohol-free this holiday season and all year long. 

“As millions of people prepare to celebrate with family and friends this weekend, we need to remember—nobody should drink and drive,” said Cathleen Lewis, director of public affairs for the Florham Park-based New Jersey AAA. “For the safety of all road users, think first before you drink. And be sure you have a safe way home before you take that first drink.”

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