EUSTIS – As the Fourth of July approaches, the Lake County Community Traffic Safety Team is cracking down on those who drive while impaired during the Independence Day holiday.

In an effort to help save lives and make the roadways safer, local law enforcement will be increasingly vigilant and stepping-up its enforcement for impaired driving through increased sobriety checkpoints, roving and saturation patrols and other enforcement methods.

“The Fourth of July is one of the deadliest holidays due to an increase in impaired driving,” said Sgt. Tom McKane, Chairman of the Lake County Community Traffic Safety Team. “Our officers will be out in full force during this year’s holiday, showing zero tolerance for impaired drivers.”

The Lake County Community Traffic Safety Team recommends these simple tips for a safe Fourth of July:

• Plan a safe way home prior to engaging in activities.
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver.
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement.
• If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going, safely.

For more information about Lake County Community Traffic Safety Team, call 352-483-9048. For more information about sober driving practices, log on to www.nhtsa.gov/drivesober.