VENANGO CO., Pa. (EYT) — The 4th of July is a holiday filled with food and fireworks, and other activities with friends and family, but far too often the celebration turns tragic on our area’s roads.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 4th of July is one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to drunk driving.

An analysis by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which used data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, showed that between 2010 and 2014, the 4th of July had the second highest percentage of car crash deaths that were linked to alcohol.

The Pennsylvania State Police are well aware of the nature of the holiday, and the increase in alcohol consumption and instances of drinking and driving surrounding it, and are also reminding drivers to stay safe this week.

Captain Bernard J. Petrovsky, Commanding Officer of Pennsylvania State Police, Troop C, is reminding motorists that safety should be the number one priority when traveling during the Independence Day holiday.

A release from Troop C states, “Every year numerous people lose their lives because of intoxicated operators. In an attempt to keep a drunk driver from causing you pain and sorrow, the State Police in Troop C will be conducting DUI patrols around the July 4th holiday.”

“Impairment begins after the first drink. An operator over 21 can be charged with DUI if their blood alcohol content is .08% or greater. An operator under 21 years of age can be charged with DUI if their blood alcohol content is .02% or greater,” it continues.

“Remember, don’t allow a friend to drive drunk.”

exploreClarion.com spoke with Trooper Chewning, Public Information Officer for PSP Troop C, about what people should do if they see a driver they suspect is driving under the influence.

“Call 9-1-1, they are most likely to be able to dispatch someone quickly,” Trooper Chewning said.

“You want to stay safe. Get whatever information you can about the vehicle. Follow it safely if you can, but do not put your own life in danger,” he said.

Drunk driving is an ongoing issue throughout the nation, with over 10,000 people killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes and over one million drivers arrested for driving under the influence in 2016.

The CDC offers the following safety steps to prevent drinking and driving among friends and family:

• Before drinking, designate a non-drinking driver when with a group.
• Don’t let your friends drive impaired.
• If you have been drinking or using drugs, get a ride home, use a rideshare service or call a taxi.
• If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, remind your guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver; offer alcohol-free beverages, and make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also offers a SaferRide Mobile app, which is a simple way to call a taxi, call a friend for a ride, and to share your location so you can be picked up. The app is available for iPhone and Android phones.