RICHMOND, Va. — This Fourth of July, millions of adults across Virginia will gather with family and friends to celebrate the nation’s birthday. As many enjoy barbecues, fireworks and holiday festivities, including beers and cocktails, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) urges Virginians to make responsible choices and think before they drink.
In 2025, during the Fourth of July holiday period (July 4-6), there were 48 alcohol-related crashes on Virginia roads. Behind those numbers are lives forever changed; two people never returned home, and 10 others were seriously injured. Understanding the facts about impaired driving can help stop these preventable tragedies.
Whether a person has one drink or several, alcohol can affect their ability to drive, often sooner than people think. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, even at a 0.02% blood alcohol concentration (BAC), drivers can experience reduced judgment, difficulty multitasking and changes in visual function. By 0.05% BAC, steering, tracking moving objects and responding to emergency situations become more difficult.
"Drinking and driving is a reckless choice," said Commissioner Saundra M. Jack. "I, like all Virginians, have children, family and loved ones on Virginia's roadways, and I want them to come home safely. Driving under the influence causes crashes, and crashes cause devastation no matter what. Don't be the reason someone doesn't make it home to their family this Fourth of July."
DMV encourages Virginians to plan ahead for this upcoming Independence Day weekend. There are many options to get from place to place instead of driving drunk or buzzed. Before drinking, know how you are getting home. This could mean having a sober designated driver or planning for a rideshare.
Drive Safe Hampton Roads and Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) provide Sober Ride programs powered by Lyft to ensure individuals can enjoy the celebrations without the risk of a crash. Sober Ride provides up to $15 off a Lyft ride for the Fourth of July weekend when their code is used.
If hosting an event where alcohol is served, ensure all individuals have a sober ride home. If someone has been drinking, do not let them get behind the wheel. Be extra careful when driving during Independence Day weekend and always wear your seat belt, even in the backseat (it's the law!). While on the road, call law enforcement if you suspect a driver is intoxicated.
This Fourth of July, don't miss the fireworks. Plan ahead, drive sober.
For more details on the discounted rideshare codes, visit WRAP’s Sober Ride program or Drive Safe Hampton Roads.