The Fresno Police Department is urging drivers to plan ahead and avoid impaired driving during the Fourth of July holiday period, announcing increased patrols and a public safety campaign focused on sober travel.

The enforcement period runs from Monday, June 29, through Sunday during which additional officers will be on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the department said.

Officials cited national and state crash data to underscore the risk of holiday travel. In 2024, 579 people were killed in crashes across the United States during the Fourth of July holiday period, with 38% of those crashes involving alcohol. In California, 35 people were killed in crashes during last year’s Independence Day holiday period, and California Highway Patrol officers made more than 1,300 DUI arrests.

The department emphasized that impairment is not limited to alcohol and can also be caused by prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other substances.

“Impaired driving is not caused by alcohol alone,” the department said in its advisory, urging drivers who are taking medications with driving warnings to arrange alternative transportation.

Safety recommendations include designating a sober driver, using rideshare services or public transportation, and hosting responsibly by offering nonalcoholic drinks and ensuring guests have safe rides home.

The department also urged people to look out for others who may attempt to drive impaired and to call 911 to report suspected impaired drivers.

Funding for the enforcement effort is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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