The Fourth of July is a day full of breathtaking firework displays, relaxing cookouts and extreme patriotism. Whether you’re traveling to spend it with your in-laws or just staying home, the Fourth is also one of the busiest days of the year.
Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple and County Legislator Shawn Morse are reminding travelers today of the increased traffic congestion. Motor vehicle crashes claim more lives on the Fourth than on any other, according to the American Automobile Association.
It also tends to bring an increase in drunken driving.
“If you decide to drink, please have a plan and use a designated driver or taxi. The sheriff asks that all drivers practice safe, defensive driving to avoid being in a crash,” Morse said in a statement.
Morse has learned from a personal experience the downfall of driving while intoxicated.
“When I was a young man, I made the mistake of drinking and driving. I got pulled over and charged with a DWI and paid a serious price. It was a terrible mistake, putting other people’s safety at risk, losing your license, and paying a fine, risking jail time, it’s just not worth it,” he said.
Both men encourage everyone to be safe and make the right choices. A statewide DWI enforcement initiative is scheduled for the holiday and law enforcement will be on the lookout for drunk drivers.
