Orland Police: 'Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving' On 4th Of July

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Orland Park Police Department wants residents to have fun this Independence Day, but to remember to be responsible.

On July 4, the police department, along with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are reminding drivers that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. The department says that however you choose to celebrate this year's Independence Day, to be sure to "celebrate the birth of our nation safely."

Police said if a person is under the influence of alcohol and gets behind the wheel, they are putting everyone on the road in danger, including themselves. In an effort to stop any regrettable actions that may have severe consequences, the department says to make sure to plan ahead for a safe weekend of festivities.

“We want our community to have a happy and safe Independence Day, one that they’ll remember for years to come, for all the right reasons,” said Orland Park Chief of Police Joe Mitchell. “We’ve partnered with NHTSA to help remind drivers that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Under no circumstance is it ever okay to drink and drive. This behavior is illegal, it’s deadly, and it’s selfish. Do everyone in your community a favor: If you’ll be drinking at a Fourth of July party, or for any occasion, plan ahead for a sober ride.”

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The NHTSA said 10,142 people were killed in crashes in 2019 that involved an alcohol-impaired driver. Independence Day festivities usually conclude late at night, and more cars are expected to be on the roads. In 2019, 515 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the holiday period between 6 p.m. July 3 through 5:59 a.m. July 8, and 38 percent (198) of those fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, the department states.

According to the police department, from 2015 to 2019, there were 1,339 people killed in drunk-driving crashes over the 4th of July holiday period, and 38 percent (512) of the drivers killed were alcohol-impaired (BAC of .08+). During the 2019 holiday period, 69 percent of those who died in alcohol-impaired crashes were in a crash that involved at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above .15.

The department went on to say that nighttime hours are especially dangerous, adding that over the 2019 holiday period, of the 198 people who died in alcohol-impaired motor vehicle traffic crashes, almost four out of five — or 79 percent — of them occurred at night between 6 p.m.–5:59 a.m.

Celebrate with a Plan

The Orland Police Department said to designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening this holiday season. If a person plans on drinking, they should plan how they will get around without driving.

The department said to remember these tips for a safe night on the roads:

• Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, dial 9-1-1 immediately.
• Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

See more information on impaired driving by visiting this link here.

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