Don't Drink And Drive July Fourth, Hillsboro Police Say

HILLSBORO, OR — As part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign to reduce drunk driving, the Hillsboro Police Department on Monday released a statement asking residents and drivers to remain cautious and careful over the Fourth of July holiday.

On Tuesday, July 4, Hillsboro police will send out extra traffic patrols to specifically target impaired drivers, officials said. The campaign is funded through the Oregon Department of Transportation's Transportation Safety Division, in coordination with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

From the Hillsboro Police Department:

The Hillsboro Police Department wants to remind you that any time you drive under the influence, you put everyone in danger, including yourself. Don't be a 2017 statistic.

This Fourth of July, the Hillsboro Police Department is asking the community to make a plan before heading out to the holiday festivities.

Every year, first responders see the devastating consequences of those who choose to drive under the influence of intoxicants. In some years, our very own community is affected by these drivers. There are so many other options available to get you home safely. Not using these resources is reckless and irresponsible.

As a driver, it's up to you to be responsible when you consume alcohol or other intoxicating substances. Please, please — always designate a sober driver, even if you think you'll only have one drink. Driving under the influence is never a good idea, and it endangers you and everyone around you.

NHTSA data shows that young drivers (18 to 34 years old) are especially at risk of driving drunk. In fact, 46 percent of the drivers 18 to 34 years old who were killed in crashes over the July Fourth period in 2015 were driving drunk (Blood Alcohol Content of .08 or higher). Motorcycle operators are also overrepresented with the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers in fatal crashes.

In 2015, more than a third (36 percent) of motorcycle operators in fatal crashes had BACs of .08 or higher.

Drunk drivers are also more common at night. Over the July Fourth holiday period in 2015, nearly half (44 percent) of the drivers in nighttime (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.) fatal crashes were alcohol-impaired, compared to 19 percent of drivers in fatal crashes during the day.

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