BOURBON —The Bourbon Police Department in partnership with the Governor’s Council on Impaired & Dangerous Driving and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, would like to remind all Indiana motorists to celebrate July 4 responsibly by driving sober and safe.

“July 4 has always been one of the most celebrated and traveled holidays in our state,” said Officer Matt Geiger. “That’s why it’s critical we remind every motorist to think before you drink. If you’re going to celebrate, do so responsibly, because we will be stepping up enforcement. Chances are, if we do see you driving impaired, we will stop you.”

During the 2015 July 4 holiday period, 6 p.m.Sunday, July 3, through 5:59 a.m. Wednesday, July 6, there were 964 traffic collisions in Indiana. Of those, 64 were alcohol-related, with 73 percent involving a driver with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or greater. In total, there were 43 injuries and two deaths as a result of alcohol-related crashes.

“Crashes due to impaired driving are an unnecessary reality we can all prevent,” said Council Chair Todd Meyer. “By looking out for ourselves and one another, we can work together to keep each and every motorist safe this July 4.”

The Bourbon Police Department, the Governor’s Council, and ICJI remind motorists that crashes and deaths resulting from impaired driving can be prevented with the following precautions:

• Before the celebration begins, plan a safe way home
• Do not drive or ride impaired
• If you do drink, use a taxi, public transportation, ride sharing service or designate a sober friend or family member and give them your keys
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911
• If you know someone who is about to drive or ride impaired, take their keys and help make arrangements to get them home safely

For more information on Indiana’s efforts on impaired driving prevention and enforcement click here.