The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office in San Jacinto, California, is urging the public to celebrate the Fourth of July responsibly by planning ahead for safe transportation. The office emphasizes the importance of designating a sober driver, using public transportation or ride-sharing services, or calling a cab during the holiday period from June 30 to July 6. Additional officers will be on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence.
In 2023, there were 617 fatalities in crashes across the U.S. during the Fourth of July holiday period, with alcohol involved in 38% of these incidents. In California alone, 29 people lost their lives in crashes and over 1,300 arrests were made for driving under the influence.
Sergeant Patrick Lynch stated, “Designating a sober driver is a simple choice that can save your life and the lives of others on the road.” He further emphasized that “drunk driving is one hundred percent preventable” and urged everyone to consider their loved ones before deciding to drive impaired.
The office also highlighted that impairment can result not only from alcohol but also from prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products, and other substances. It advises those who plan to consume such substances to ensure someone sober takes responsibility for driving.
Funding for this initiative comes from a grant provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For media inquiries regarding this matter, contact should be made with the Media Information Bureau. Those interested in pursuing a career with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office are encouraged to apply at joinrso.org or call 1-888-Join-RSD.
