Law enforcement agencies across Berks County are reminding motorists to celebrate responsibly this Independence Day weekend as they join a nationwide campaign to crack down on impaired driving.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is partnering with Berks County police departments for the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign, which aims to deter impaired driving and reduce crashes during one of the busiest travel holidays of the year.
Officials say the Fourth of July holiday period is consistently among the deadliest times on the nation’s roadways.
According to NHTSA, from 2020 through 2024, there were 2,719 traffic fatalities during the Fourth of July holiday period. Of the 1,724 drivers killed in those crashes, 654 — or 38% — were impaired by alcohol. Drivers between the ages of 21 and 34 accounted for the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired fatalities at 47%.
In 2024 alone, 579 people were killed in traffic crashes during the Fourth of July holiday period.
“We want to make it clear that on this Fourth of July holiday, we will have a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving,” said Sgt. David Bentz of the Exeter Township Police Department and Berks County coordinator for the North Central Regional DUI Enforcement Program.
“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,” Bentz said. “We urge everyone to keep road safety in mind as they prepare for their celebrations. Make responsible choices to help us ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for all.”
Police encourage anyone planning to consume alcohol to arrange transportation before celebrations begin by choosing a designated driver, using a taxi, or booking a rideshare service. Officials caution that waiting until after drinking to make travel arrangements can lead to poor decisions because alcohol impairs judgment.
Authorities also encourage friends and family members to intervene if someone who has been drinking attempts to drive. Taking away a person’s keys and helping them find a safe ride home can prevent a tragedy, police said.
Anyone who observes a suspected impaired driver is urged to call 911 when it is safe to do so.
The enforcement campaign will continue throughout the Fourth of July holiday weekend as officers work to reduce impaired driving and keep roadways safe.