Sue Scheff: Fourth of July - Blast off but don't drive Buzzed!

Summer is officially here and one of the biggest weekends of the summer is coming soon! The Fourth of July brings many picnics, parties and good old fashion fun with friends and family. It is also a time when many enjoy an alcoholic drink or two.

While many of us focus on fireworks safety each Fourth of July, we also need to keep our roads safe for the drive home after the festivities.

Whether at a family barbeque or viewing the local fireworks, many will be on the roads this Independence Day. It's time to spread the word about the dangers of buzzed driving and to remind people that Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving, and the best way to stay safe is to plan ahead.

Help keep your roads safe for everyone this July Fourth by spreading the word that buzzed driving IS drunk driving.

There are four steps you should take to protect your loved ones on the Fourth of July.

1. Designate a sober driver before you leave for your Fourth of July events.
2. Be ready to take alternate transportation such as a bus or taxi.
3. Have the phone number of a taxi service stored in your phone before you leave for the party.
4. Call 9-1-1 if you see an impaired driver on the road.

Even if you will not be drinking alcoholic beverages this Fourth of July, keep in mind that over the course of 2008, 1,179 people in other vehicles were killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers. And there were a total of 491 motor vehicle traffic fatalities during the Fourth of July Holiday period (Thursday, July 3rd, 6 pm to Monday, July 7th, 5:59 am). And for those who say they don't plan on over-indulging . . . a buzzed driving crash looks the same as a drunk driving crash.

We are working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council as they continue their efforts with the "Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving" PSA campaign. Buzzed drivers drink and drive, but do not consider themselves a hazard on the roadway because they have had "only a few" drinks.
Learn more about Broward County's Driving Under the Influence and the consequences you will face if pulled over for drunk or buzzed driving.

Be an educated parent, you will have safer teens!

Watch short video today and save a life tomorrow.