The Fresno Police Department and California Highway Patrol are urging the public to celebrate the Fourth of July responsibly by avoiding impaired driving and planning ahead for a safe ride home.

To help keep roads safe, Fresno police say they will deploy extra officers and conduct a DUI checkpoint during the holiday period to identify drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The warning comes as officials point to alarming statistics tied to Independence Day traffic fatalities. In 2023, 617 people were killed in crashes across the country, with 38% involving alcohol, according to Fresno police. In California, 68 people died in crashes during the holiday period last year, nearly half of whom were not wearing seat belts, the California Highway Patrol reported.

CHP officers made 1,224 DUI arrests over last year’s 102-hour holiday period — averaging one arrest every five minutes. This year’s Maximum Enforcement Period for CHP begins Wednesday evening and runs through late Sunday.

Fresno police also remind the public that impairment isn’t limited to alcohol. Cannabis, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and other substances can also impact driving ability.

Safety tips include designating a sober driver, using rideshare or public transportation, offering non-alcoholic drinks when hosting, and stepping in if someone plans to drive impaired.

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