Kentucky State Police Post 11 Prevents Holiday Impaired Driving During Safety Blitz

“Choose Freedom, Not a DUI” this Independence Day

LONDON, Ky. (July 3, 2025) – As Kentuckians prepare to celebrate Independence Day, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 11 is joining law enforcement agencies nationwide for Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) from July 3-6. This high-visibility enforcement effort is focused on preventing impaired driving and keeping roadways safe during one of the busiest travel holidays of the year.

In 2024, KSP collision data shows 3,762 crashes involving alcohol throughout the state. 115 of those crashes involved fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 2,653 people killed nationwide in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period from 2019 to 2023. Forty percent of the drivers killed were impaired.

During this initiative from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, KSP troopers will strategically patrol highways and rural routes, with an increased focus on identifying drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The goal is to stop impaired drivers before a tragedy occurs. Here are a few ways to stay safe this Fourth of July:

• Plan a Safe Ride – Designate a sober driver, call a friend or use a ride service. Never drive impaired.
• Host Responsibly – If you are serving alcohol at your celebration, make sure guests have a safe way to get home.
• Watch for Warning Signs – If someone appears too impaired to drive, take their keys and help them make other arrangements.
• Be the Example – Buckle up, stay sober behind the wheel and encourage others to do the same.

KSP’s presence on the roads this holiday weekend underscores the agency’s commitment to protecting all Kentuckians. With your help, we can keep this Independence Day celebration safe and free from preventable tragedies. If you see someone suspected of driving under the influence, call 911 or contact KSP. You can find your nearest KSP post by viewing the Post Map on KSP’s website.

KSP’s mission is to improve public safety, maintain critical services, and better reflect the diverse communities it serves. For more information about KSP’s commitment to creating a better Kentucky, click here.

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