The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday responsibly by planning ahead and designating a sober driver. This message comes as additional officers will be on patrol from June 30 through July 6, looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In 2023, during the Fourth of July holiday period, 617 people lost their lives in crashes across the United States, with alcohol involved in 38% of these fatal incidents. In California alone, there were 29 fatalities and over 1,300 arrests for driving under the influence during last year’s Independence Day celebrations.
Deputy Jackson Wu emphasized the importance of making responsible choices: “Designating a sober driver is a simple choice that can save your life and the lives of others on the road,” he said. He added that "drunk driving is one hundred percent preventable" and encouraged individuals to consider their loved ones before deciding to drive under the influence.
Impairment is not limited to alcohol consumption; prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products, and other substances can also impair one's ability to drive safely. The Sheriff's Office advises anyone who plans to drink or take medication with a driving warning label to ensure someone sober takes the wheel.
This initiative is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For further information or media inquiries about this campaign, contact 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.