Honor Independence Day by Making Safe Driving Choices

As Americans celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday this Independence Day, Watch UR BAC, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) are encouraging Texans to honor the occasion by making safe and responsible choices on the road.

The Fourth of July holiday period is one of the busiest travel times of the year and often sees an increase in crashes involving impaired and distracted driving. Traffic safety advocates encourage drivers to plan ahead, buckle up, eliminate distractions, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“The Fourth of July should be a time for celebration, not tragedy,” said Ravonne Mc-Cray, Program Manager for Watch UR BAC. “Whether you’re attending a barbecue, watching fireworks, or traveling to visit family and friends, make a plan to get home safely. Choosing a designated driver, avoiding distractions, and always wearing a seat belt can save lives.”

Watch UR BAC, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension program funded by TxDOT, provides traffic safety education across Texas to help prevent crashes and promote responsible decision-making behind the wheel.

Sally Garrett, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent for Fayette County, said, ‘Holiday celebrations bring more vehicles to our roads, making safe driving more important than ever. We encourage everyone to slow down, stay alert, and make responsible choices to help keep our communities safe this Independence Day.’” The organizations also remind drivers that the Fourth of July falls within the “100 Safest Days of Summer” campaign, which focuses on reducing crashes among teen drivers and promoting safe driving behaviors throughout the summer months.

Together, Watch UR BAC, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and TxDOT encourage all Texans to celebrate responsibly and help make this Independence Day a safe one for everyone on the road.