This Fourth of July the Mesquite Police Department (MPD) wants to wish everyone a safe and happy Independence Day. Americans love to celebrate Independence Day with family, friends, food, and fireworks. Far too often alcohol turns the celebration in tragedy, making this iconic holiday one of the deadliest days of the year on our nation’s roads. According to data from NHTSA, during the July 4th holiday period over the last five years 765 people lost their lives in crashes involving drivers with a BAC of .08 or more. These fatalities account for 40 percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities over this same five-year period.
As part of a national and statewide effort, MPD will have additional officers on the roadway looking for impaired drivers. Those who elect to drink and drive this 4th of July should be forewarned. MPD will be out in force, we will find those violators and we will arrest them. No warnings, no excuses.
MPD recommends the following simple tips for a safe Fourth of July:
- Plan a safe way home before the fun begins;
- Before drinking, designate a sober driver;
- If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
- If you see a drunk driver, don’t hesitate to contact Mesquite Dispatch (911 of 702-346-6911);
- Remember, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” If you know someone who is about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
Residents who plan on lighting their own fireworks we wish to remind you that only fireworks labeled “safe and sane” are legal for use in Clark County and only from Saturday, June 28, through Friday, July 4. All fireworks that shoot into the air, or firecrackers, are illegal for use in Clark County, unless they are part of a permitted fireworks show. Possessing or using illegal fireworks is a misdemeanor in Clark County. MPD Officers and MPD Volunteers will be present looking for violators, as well as conducting traffic control for the fireworks show.
