As Kentuckians prepare to celebrate Independence Day with family gatherings, fireworks, and holiday travel, state officials are reminding everyone that the safest way to celebrate is to drive sober.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, along with the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) and law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth, is encouraging drivers to plan ahead before heading out for Fourth of July festivities. Increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints will be in place throughout the holiday weekend as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign.

Governor Andy Beshear urged Kentuckians to make responsible choices, encouraging everyone to look out for friends and family and help anyone who has been drinking find a safe ride home.

The reminder comes with a sobering statistic: during last year’s Fourth of July holiday period, Kentucky State Police recorded 55 crashes involving an impaired driver, resulting in 30 injuries and three fatalities.

Transportation Secretary Rebecca Goodman emphasized that even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can impair judgment, reaction time, and driving ability. Officials are reminding motorists that if there’s any doubt about whether it’s safe to drive, it’s best to choose another way home.

Tips for a Safe Holiday Weekend

Kentucky officials recommend:

• Plan your ride home before celebrations begin.
• If you’ve been drinking or using impairing substances, use a rideshare service, taxi, public transportation, or ask a sober friend or family member for a ride.
• If you spot a suspected impaired driver, safely pull over and contact law enforcement by calling 911 or the Kentucky State Police at 800-222-5555.
• If someone you know is about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them find another way home.
• Always buckle your seat belt—it’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce injuries in a crash.

Officials say by planning ahead and making responsible decisions, everyone can help make Kentucky’s roads safer and ensure the celebration ends with everyone arriving home safely.