(KAIR)--Having a few beers with the 4th of July barbecue may seem like a good idea to celebrate the holiday; and, while there's nothing illegal about an adult doing just that, the Kansas Highway Patrol is reminding of the importance of having a designated driver at the ready.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 780 people, over the past five July 4th holidays, lost their lives in crashes involving impaired drivers.
In Kansas last year, there were 149 crashes during the 4th of July reporting period. Three of those were fatalities and 36 resulted in injuries.
Of the 149 total wrecks, 13 were alcohol-related.
Law enforcement agencies, both local and statewide, will actively watch for impaired drivers during the holiday weekend, with everyone encouraged to buckle up, drive safely and be sure to have a designated driver if adult beverages will be consumed.
© Many Signals Communication
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Sabetha woman arrested in business burglary
Effingham teen facing child sex crimes charges
Severe storms move through NE KS
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Two Brown Co officers honored for their bravery
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
Severe storms reported Tuesday in NE KS
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
Atchison man nabbed for neighbor's 4 wheeler theft
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth
Winning lottery ticket sold in Falls City about to expire
Meriden man bound over on rape charge
Tornado damage surveyed in NE KS
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
Beef Barn replacement planned in Jefferson Co
LATEST STORIES
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Brown Co Sheriff's Office releases April stats
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
Commission takes action related to bridge project
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth
Winning lottery ticket sold in Falls City about to expire