The Fourth of July is one of the busiest traveling times of the year.

In an effort to promote safe driving this Independence Day holiday, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Highway Safety Network, Carbon County District Attorney’s Office, and local law enforcement gathered at Lehighton Borough Hall Wednesday morning to discuss regional DUI patrols as part of this year’s impaired driving mobilization.

Among those on hand were Carbon County District Attorney Michael Greek; David Everly, project coordinator for the Highway Safety Network, North Central Regional DUI Program; officers Joel Gulla and Bruce Broyles of the Lehighton Police Department; and Weatherly patrolman Edward Kubert.

Greek said the purpose of the Fourth of July weekend is to come together to celebrate our independence, our liberty and our freedoms.

“But, with these freedoms comes great responsibility,” Greek said. “I’m here today with these dedicated members of our local law enforcement community to remind everyone of the dangers of driving drunk or driving high.”

Greek said that each Fourth of July holiday, families lose loves ones in crashes where alcohol or drugs are involved.

According to the Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40% of traffic fatalities over the 2018 July Fourth holiday period were the result of impaired driving crashes. That number is up from 38% in 2017.

“Making the choice to drive drunk puts everyone in danger, including yourself,” he said. “Even one drink can be one too many. Like drunken driving, driving high is impaired driving. Whether the drug is obtained legally or not, drug-impaired driving can also be deadly.”

Greek said that with the pleasant weather we are expecting this weekend, there will be many people on our local lakes.

“It is also a crime to operate a watercraft while impaired,” he said. “Forty percent of all boating deaths are the result of alcohol.”

Greek said those who plan to drink should make a plan ahead of time to have a sober ride home by using a designated driver, or call an Uber or Lyft.

“A sober driver is one who does not drink at all, not the one who’s had the least to drink,” he said. “If you are the designated driver, don’t drink.”

Further, Greek added that those who host Fourth of July parties should make sure there are plenty of nonalcoholic beverages.

“Take care of your friends and guests,” he said. “They are your responsibility. Get them home safely.”

Additionally, Greek cautioned that if people see a drunken driver they should pull over safely and call 911.

And always, always, wear a seat belt.

“Whether you are driving, riding a motorcycle, operating a boat or Jet Ski, or hosting a party, remember that buzzed driving is drunken driving and if you feel different, you drive different,” he said. “Celebrate the birth of this great nation safely and responsibly.”