This July 4, only sparklers should be lit

As Arizonans celebrate Independence Day with hot dogs, cookouts, fireworks and time by the pool, we at ADOT want to remind drivers to make sure you have a plan to get home safely if the celebrations include alcohol.

Whether that's calling a rideshare, phoning a friend or designating a driver, we want you to have fun and be safe over the holiday weekend. Not letting impaired people behind the wheel is especially important as 12 people died in crashes over the July 4 holiday weekend in 2022, according to crash reports collected by ADOT. These were preventable and one death is one too many.

Some overhead message signs above state highways will display traffic safety messages that encourage designating a driver and related to Independence Day. We hope that these messages will kickstart conversations and ultimately lead to everyone making better decisions behind the wheel.

And if you're traveling in rural areas, you'll notice those overhead message signs displaying a wildfire prevention message, reminding drivers to not drag chains. Also, make sure your tires are properly inflated, avoid parking your vehicle on dry grass - the heat from your vehicle can start a fire - and never throw a cigarette out of a vehicle.

Let's all do our part to reduce the chances of starting a wildfire this holiday weekend.

Happy Independence Day, America.

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