JEFFERSON CITY - The Fourth of July is one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to substance-impaired driving crashes. Local law enforcement will be out in full force July 3-8 seeking impaired drivers through increased sobriety checkpoints and roving and saturation patrols.

No warnings. No excuses. Those who drive impaired will be arrested. Don't risk losing your independence by choosing to drink and drive.

"Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs has serious consequences," said Leanna Depue, executive committee chair for the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. "Often, people have a hard time recuperating financially from the cost of an arrest or the crash itself. Violators risk killing or harming others, face jail time, the loss of their driver licenses, higher insurance rates and dozens of other unanticipated expenses from attorney fees, fines and court costs, car towing and repairs, and lost time at work."

During last year's Fourth of July holiday weekend, 212 people were arrested for driving under the influence. In the same time period, 10 people were killed and 41 seriously injured in crashes. Impaired drivers were involved in crashes that resulted in four of the fatalities and two disabling injuries.

The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety recommends these simple tips to avoid a drunk-driving disaster:

• 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 so you are sure to get home safely.
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don't hesitate to call 911.
• Download and use the SHOW ME MY BUZZ app. Find links at:

www.modot.mo.gov/safety/ImpairedDriving.htm.

• Always wear your seat belt. It's your best defense in any traffic crash.

For more information, visit http://www.savemolives.com/.

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