DEFIANCE, OH – The Fourth of July is a time for food, family, fun, and fireworks—but it is also a time to make safety a priority. The Defiance County Safe Communities Coalition, in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), reminds residents to celebrate responsibly by making smart choices on the road and around fireworks.
Each year, the days surrounding the Fourth of July holiday rank among the deadliest times on America’s roadways. From 2020 to 2024, there were 2,719 traffic fatalities during the Fourth of July holiday period, including 1,724 driver fatalities. In 2024 alone, 579 people were killed in traffic crashes during the holiday period, and 38% of those driver fatalities involved drunk drivers.
“Impaired driving is never acceptable,” said Lt. Drew Waltmire of Defiance Police Department. “For some people, even one drink is too many to safely drive. While making plans with friends and family for Fourth of July celebrations, it is important to also make a plan for a sober ride home. Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving, and we all have a responsibility to help keep our roads safe.”
If you plan to drink, make arrangements before the celebration begins. Choose a designated sober driver, call a taxi, or ask a trusted friend or family member for a safe ride home. Do not wait until after drinking to decide how you will get home—alcohol can affect judgment and decision-making. If you find yourself unable to drive, hand your keys to a sober driver who can help get you home safely. If you see a friend who has been drinking and is considering driving, step in—take the keys and help them find a safe ride. If you see a suspected impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement when it is safe to do so.
Impaired driving is not limited to alcohol. Driving under the influence of any drug—legal or illegal—is dangerous and against the law in all 50 states.
“Drugs and driving do not mix – and that’s any drugs – legal, illegal, prescription or over-the-counter,” said Lt. Brad Grillot of the Defiance County Sheriff’s Office. “If you plan to use any substance that could impair you, plan ahead for a sober ride. If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. If you Drive High, you Get a DUI. Impaired driving puts you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road at risk.”
Many people believe being high does not affect their ability to drive safely, but marijuana and other substances can slow reaction times, affect decision-making, impair coordination, and make it more difficult to maintain control of a vehicle. Even some prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness or delayed reactions. If a medication or substance affects your ability to think clearly or respond quickly, do not drive.
Fireworks are another highlight of Fourth of July celebrations—but they should always be handled responsibly. Driving to or from an event while impaired is dangerous, and using fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to serious injuries.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks caused thousands of injuries and multiple deaths nationwide in recent years. Many fireworks-related injuries occur when fireworks are used improperly or when people are not paying close attention or are impaired.
“Never use fireworks under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” said Tim Bowling, Assistant Chief of Defiance Fire & Rescue. “Fireworks require attention and responsibility. Keep children at a safe distance, have water nearby, and make sure everyone is using fireworks safely. A few simple precautions can help ensure everyone enjoys the holiday and goes home safely and with all body parts intact.”
The Defiance County Safe Communities Coalition encourages everyone to make safety part of their Fourth of July plans. Drive sober, plan ahead, watch out for friends and family, and handle fireworks responsibly.Celebrate Independence Day with memories—not regrets.
For more information on impaired driving prevention, visit NHTSA.gov/ImpairedDriving.
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Contact: Jessica West, PIO
1300 E. Second St., Ste. 100
Defiance, OH. 43512
419-784-3818
