Some 34.4 million Americans are expected to travel by car this Independence

Day weekend, and there’s probably a BBQ at the end of many of their trips. Last Fourth of July, Americans had around 74 million BBQs, grilled an estimated 155 million hot dogs, and cracked open about 68 million cases of beer. In fact, more beer is sold on Uncle Sam’s birthday than on any other holiday (including St. Patrick’s Day and New Year’s Eve).

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Unfortunately, all those comings and goings, combined with well-stocked coolers, means more drunk drivers on the road. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tells us the Fourth of July is the worst day of the year for fatal car crashes due to drunk driving. And, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, 40 percent of all highway deaths between 2007 and 2011 were caused by drunk driving over the Fourth of July weekend.

Here are a few more (hopefully) Sobering Stats:

Over the past 25 years, 51% of all deadly crashes on 4th of July weekend are alcohol-related.

On 4th of July weekend in 2008 (most recent study by the NHTSA), drunk driving statistics show that 43% of the 491 fatalities on the road were a result of alcohol-impaired driving.

On average, an individual drives drunk about 80 times before an arrest.  In those 80 times they have taken their lives and those of others on the road for granted.  It is like playing Russian Roulette every time a person drives drunk.

Individuals between the ages of 21 and 24 are involved in 36% of fatal alcohol-related car accidents.

66% of car accidents occurring between midnight and 3am involve an alcohol impaired driver.

4 out 5 people who drink and drive are male.

Please get a designated driver this holiday and drink responsibly! Have a happy and healthy holiday weekend and as always, DRIVE SAFE!