Cobb Alcohol Taskforce: Advice for July 4th

The Cobb Alcohol Taskforce is gearing up for the Fourth of July holiday, a time during which the risk of driving is compounded by impaired drivers.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the Fourth of July holiday is the second-worst day of the year for drunk driving fatalities. Despite the numerous warnings issued by various law enforcement, government and social organizations, people continue to drive drunk and ruin their lives or the lives of others.

The most sobering statistic regarding fatalities on this otherwise relaxing and fun holiday is that 40 percent of all fatal alcohol-induced traffic accidents involve teenagers who were driving under the influence, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

It is imperative, says the Cobb Alcohol Taskforce, to keep alcohol away from teenagers during this holiday season. As a parent, here are some useful tips and tricks to make you and your teens' holiday a safe and worry-free one:

• Know your child’s friends’ parents.
• Talk with other parents/adults to make sure that alcohol is not available at the events youth will attend.
• Talk with your child.
• Set a good example for responsible adult alcohol use, if you choose to drink.

How are you going to promote a safe Fourth of July holiday? Tell us in the comments!

Even if you do not have a teenager to look after over this holiday, you can still help keep your community safe and potentially save the life of someone who may be taking to the roads. Here is how you can promote safety for those around you:

• Report illegal commercial alcohol sales - Call 1-877- CheckID or 770-499-4719
• Report underage drinking parties - Call 911 or your local police precinct
• Refuse to supply alcohol to underage youth in your home or on your property
• Make food and non-alcoholic drinks available at celebrations and limit excessive drinking
• Support local law enforcement efforts to enforce alcohol laws

Everyone can play a part to reduce the number of tragic alcohol-related driving fatalities this Fourth of July.