July 4th can be explosive if drinking and driving

Prince William County police will be out in full force, cracking down on drunk drivers during the Fourth of July holiday period, with an aggressive "Drunk Driving: Over the Limit. Under Arrest" en-forcement campaign.

"Because the July 4th holiday involves a surprising number of fatal crashes, our department will be doing sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and heightened enforcement activities to show zero tolerance for anyone we catch driving impaired," said 1st. Sgt. Martin Douglas, a Traffic Unit supervisor. "Our message is simple: If we catch you driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions. No excuses."

Alcohol plays a big role in motorcycle fatalities too, affecting those skills most essential to operating a motorcycle, balance and coordination.

Douglas said much of the tragedy from drunken driving can be prevented with a few simple precautions before going out to celebrate:

· Plan ahead. Whenever you plan on consuming alcohol, designate your sober driver before going out and give that person your keys.

· If you're impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.

· Use the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) Sober Ride program at 1-800-200-TAXI for a free taxi home.

· Promptly report to law enforcement any drunken drivers you see on the roadways.

· And remember, Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take his keys and help him make other arrangements to get where he is going safely.

Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk. The consequences are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant. Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver's license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses.

"No matter what you drive -- a commercial vehicle, passenger car, pickup, or motorcycle -- if you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested," said First Sgt. Douglas. "Don't let this Fourth of July blow up in your face. Remember. Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Ar-rest."

Send questions or comments to PWCPD-PIO, 8900 Freedom Center Blvd., Manassas, VA 20192 or via email to policedept@pwcgov.org.