In 2016, 188 people were killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit and this holiday week the Iowa Department of Public Safety is reminding everyone to drive safely.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that on average, more people die in motor vehicle crashes on July Fourth than any other day of the year, with motorcycles and alcohol being contributing factors. Those 188 deaths in 2016 was a 28% increase from the year before. In Iowa last year there were four fatalities on the roads. There will be increased law enforcement officers on Iowa’s roads through July 4th. It is never okay to drive after drinking, have a plan in place before you go out as to how you’ll get home safely. Remember to drive sober or get pulled over.