Be safe this 4th of July!

To crack down on drunk driving this Fourth of July, Alabama State Troopers will be out in full force, aggressively targeting those who put lives in danger. “Alabama State Patrol is ramping up their enforcement to make our roads safer this Fourth of July,†said Lieutenant Jamie Michaels. “For everyone’s sake, don’t drink and drive or you will be arrested. The ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign means zero tolerance for drunk driving—no excuses.â€

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA ) show that 10,322 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in the United States in 2013—representing a third of all crash fatalities. Data shows that the Fourth of July holiday period is especially deadly. During the July 4th period in 2013 (6 p.m. on July 3 to 5:59 a.m. on July 5), there were 179 people killed in crashes, and 44 percent of those crashes were alcohol-impaired.

-Plan a safe way home before the fun begins

-Before drinking, designate a sober driver

-If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation

-If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact Alabama State Patrol

-If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely