Police plan statewide crackdown on drunken driving over holiday weekend

CONCORD - The New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety has announced a statewide impaired driving enforcement effort planned for the long Independence Day weekend.

Every year, the Fourth of July holiday stands out as one of the deadliest times on the nation's roads, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2023, 617 people died across the U.S. in traffic crashes during the holiday period (6 p.m. June 30-5:59 a.m. July 5). Thirty-eight percent (233) of those fatalities occurred in drunk-driving crashes. Of those who died in drunk-driving crashes, 27% were in a crash involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 g/dl or higher.

"The Fourth of July should be a time of celebration, not tragedy," said New Hampshire Department of Safety Assistant Commissioner Eddie Edwards. "Driving a vehicle or operating a boat while impaired puts everyone at risk. We encourage all residents and visitors to make the responsible choice this weekend: plan a safe and sober ride wherever you're going."

Beginning today and continuing through Sunday, members of state, county, and local law enforcement who partner with the NHOHS are increasing patrols on roads throughout New Hampshire to deter and detect impaired drivers. Driving impaired has significant consequences: DWI offenses can cost drivers $10,000 or more in fines and fees, the loss of their license or jail time.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is also potentially deadly. In 2023, the most recent year for which data has been finalized, alcohol and/or drug impairment was a factor in 27.5% of deadly crashes in New Hampshire. As of Tuesday, 55 lives have been lost in 54 crashes on roads throughout the state so far in 2025.