As Independence Day approaches, Arkansas law enforcement and the Arkansas Highway Safety Office (AHSO) are urging residents to celebrate responsibly by making the choice to drive sober—or secure a sober ride home. In partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Arkansas will once again participate in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement campaign.
The initiative aims to deter impaired driving and reduce the number of tragic crashes that often accompany the Fourth of July holiday.
The Fourth of July consistently ranks as one of the deadliest times for drivers across the United States. Between 2019 and 2023, a staggering 2,653 people were killed in traffic crashes during the holiday period. Of those fatalities, 1,679 were drivers, and 38% (643) were legally drunk at the time of the crash.
The most at-risk group? Drivers between the ages of 21 and 34—48% of whom were intoxicated when killed during the holiday weekend.
Here in Arkansas, the statistics are even more sobering. Over the same five-year period, 48% of drivers involved in fatal crashes during Fourth of July weekends were impaired by alcohol.
“We want to make it clear that on this Fourth of July holiday, we have a zero-tolerance policy against drinking and driving,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “We are well-trained to identify signs of drunk driving on the road. Driving under the influence is a violation of the law and a reckless act that puts the lives of drivers, their passengers, and others on the road at extreme risk.”
Colonel Hagar stressed the importance of responsible decision-making ahead of the holiday: “We urge everyone to keep road safety in mind as they prepare for the celebrations. Make responsible choices to help us ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for all.”
Arkansas law enforcement encourages everyone to plan for a sober ride before the celebration begins. Impaired judgment often leads people to make dangerous choices after drinking. That’s why it’s critical to:
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Choose a designated driver in advance
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Call a taxi or schedule a rideshare
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Hand over your keys if you’re too impaired to drive
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Stop friends from driving drunk—take their keys and help them get home safely
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Call 9-1-1 to report suspected drunk drivers
For more information on the dangers of impaired driving and how to stay safe, visit:
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Arkansas Highway Safety Office: (501) 618-8136
