According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1,414 drivers have been killed in motor vehicle crashes from 2018 to 2022 that involved an alcohol-impaired driver.

Carbon County Police will partner with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.

Every year, the Fourth of July holiday stands out as one of the deadliest times on the nation’s roads. From 2018 to 2022, there were 1,414 drivers killed in traffic crashes during the holiday. Thirty-nine percent (545) of those drivers were drunk. Of the 1,414 drivers killed, the 21-34 age group had the highest percent (50%) of drunken drivers.

“We want to make it clear that on this Fourth of July holiday, we will have a zero-tolerance policy against drinking and driving,” said officer Joel Gulla, Lehighton Police Department and Carbon County Coordinator for the North Central Regional DUI Enforcement Program.

“There will be no leniency shown. We are well-trained to identify signs of drunken driving on the road. Driving under the influence is a violation of the law, and a reckless act that puts the lives of drivers, their passengers, and others on the road at extreme risk. We urge everyone to keep road safety in mind as they prepare for the celebrations. Make responsible choices to help us ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for all.”

For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.