DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. – As Independence Day celebrations approach, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is reminding residents and visitors that impaired driving is never worth the risk. DCSO is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly with one simple message: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
The Fourth of July holiday is consistently one of the busiest travel periods of the year and, unfortunately, one of the deadliest on our nation’s roadways. According to NHTSA, from 2020 through 2024, 2,719 people lost their lives in traffic crashes during the Independence Day holiday period. Of those fatalities, 1,724 were drivers, and 38% of those drivers were impaired by alcohol.
“As friends and families gather to celebrate Independence Day, we encourage everyone to make a plan before the festivities begin,” said Sheriff Dan Coverley. “If your celebration includes alcohol, arrange for a designated driver, use a rideshare service, or ask a sober friend or family member for a ride. Making that decision before you drink could save your life or someone else’s.”
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will have increased patrols throughout the holiday weekend, with deputies focused on impaired driving enforcement to help keep our roads safe.
If your plans include alcohol:
- Designate a sober driver before you go.
- Use a taxi or rideshare service.
- Never let someone who has been drinking get behind the wheel.
- If you see a suspected impaired driver, safely call 911 and report it.
This Independence Day, celebrate responsibly and help make Douglas County’s roads safer for everyone.
Drive 100% sober, because Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
For more information about impaired driving, visit NHTSA.gov/ImpairedDriving.
For more information, visit online – https://sheriff.