State and national authorities have issued warnings to drivers, urging them to be sober before the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. This comes after a series of accidents involving impaired drivers during previous celebrations. [1] The Charleston area's local news station, WCBD, reported that officials from both state and federal levels emphasized the risks associated with alcohol consumption on roads and highways. They cited statistics showing increased accident rates around holidays when people consume more alcohol than usual. [2] A different outlet, ABC News, also highlighted these warnings but added a personal anecdote of an incident where someone had to be hospitalized after driving under the influence during the previous year's celebrations. Both outlets stressed that sober drivers are safer and encourage everyone to consider their drinking habits before heading out for festivities. They emphasized that impaired driving is not only dangerous but illegal, with penalties including fines and potential jail time.