Celebrate the holiday, but do it safely

Drivers and boaters are warned not to overdo their alcohol consumption during the July Fourth weekend.

Traffic volumes on the road and in the water are expected to increase for the weekend as recreation areas, including the Blue Marsh Lake in Berks County, and beaches and casinos at the New Jersey shore are open.

“We know everyone is excited to get out more for July 4th, now that we are in the green phase, but motorists must be responsible and never drive impaired,” said Robyn Briggs, a PennDOT spokeswoman, in an email. “COVID-19 is still here and hospitals do not need added strain due to preventable vehicle crashes.”

Briggs said impaired crashes are 100% preventable.

“Never drive impaired,” she said. “Take away the keys from a friend or loved one who is impaired to prevent them from driving. Designate a sober driver or use a rideshare app.”

Drivers are also reminded to slow down and wear seat belts at all times.

The public is reminded that the legal alcohol limit for driving a vehicle or boat is 0.8 %.

Blue Marsh, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, is participating in the national campaign, Operation Dry Water, to conduct enhanced driving-under-the-influence of alcohol enforcement.

Conservation officers are trained to detect signs of impaired boating and conduct sobriety tests on the water.

“The water is a great place to spend the holiday weekend, and every boating adventure should include some basic safety steps,” said Tim Schaeffer, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat

Commission executive director. “Year after year, statistics prove that we could prevent the majority of fatal boating accidents if every boater would wear a life jacket and stay sober.”

Boaters are reminded to wear a life jacket, have a float plan and avoid summer storms that cause treacherous conditions and high water.

They are also reminded that intoxicated passengers are at risk of injury and falls overboard.

“Alcohol is not allowed anywhere at Blue Marsh,” said Scott Sunderland, natural resource manager of the Army Corps of Engineers.

The Blue Marsh swimming beach and Dry Brooks Boat Launch are both open.

The parking lot at Dry Brooks is limited to only vehicles with trailers from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

AAA forecasts Americans will take 700 million trips based on economic indicators and state re-openings, down 15% from last summer, with road trips accounting for 97% of all vacations.

“Many people will decide to get out and explore this summer to relieve cabin fever,” said Jana L. Tidwell, manager, public and government affairs, AAA MidAtlantic.

“When venturing out, travelers should heed all rules of the road, including never drinking and driving,” Tidwell said. “If you consume alcohol, marijuana, or use potentially impairing prescription medications, then don’t drive.”

Last year on July Fourth weekend — before anyone heard of the coronavirus — there were 2,917 crashes, including 40 fatalities statewide from June 28 to July 7, 2019, according to PennDOT.

Of those crashes, 334 involved impaired driving, resulting in 18 fatalities, PennDOT stats show.