Police Remind Motorists to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over This Fourth of July

On this Independence Day, make the honorable choice to drive sober or get a sober ride home.

The Hawai‘i Police Department is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind motorists to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over as part of a nationwide enforcement campaign aimed at deterring impaired driving and preventing tragedies on our island roads.

Every year, the Fourth of July holiday ranks among the deadliest periods on the nation’s roadways. From 2019 to 2023, there were 2,653 traffic fatalities during the holiday period, 1,679 of whom were drivers. Thirty-eight percent (643) of those drivers were drunk. Among the drivers killed, the 21–34 age group had the highest percentage of drunk drivers, at 48 percent.

“We want to make it clear that on this Fourth of July holiday, we will have a zero-tolerance policy against drinking and driving,” said Torey Keltner, Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Program Manager. “There will be no leniency shown. Driving under the influence is not only against the law, it’s reckless and puts the lives of drivers, their passengers, and others on the road at extreme risk. We urge everyone to keep road safety in mind as they prepare for the celebrations. Make responsible choices to help us ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for all.”

Keltner noted that while the number of traffic fatalities on Hawai‘i Island is lower than at this time last year (14 deaths compared to 19 in 2024), even one death is too many. What’s more, the number of major crashes has increased 5.4 percent over 2024, with 521 major crashes so far in 2025 compared to 494 at this time last year.

While privacy laws prevent releasing specific details, many major crashes on the island result in severe, life-altering injuries to drivers and passengers, including paralysis, brain damage, and loss of organs.

“Even in crashes where there isn’t a fatality, there can still be devastating injuries,” Keltner said. “That’s why it is critical to drive sober and obey traffic laws, especially during holidays like the Fourth of July.”

Drivers are urged to plan ahead if they intend to drink. Don’t wait until after drinking to decide how to get home. Impairment clouds judgment. Arrange for a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a safe ride.

If you find yourself unable to drive, give your keys to a sober driver to ensure you get home safely. If a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, be proactive: take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home.

Anyone who spots a drunk driver should contact local law enforcement immediately.