MDOT urges Mississippians to stay clear of drunk driving this 4th of July

In Mississippi, the highway patrol reported issuing 3,300 citations with 43 arrests during the 2019 4th of July enforcement period.

Bethany Davis was a victim of a drunk driving incident with a loved one and is grateful to be alive. 

Davis explains a couple was intoxicated with alcohol and hit them one night. 

“They ran a stop sign and t-boned the car. When he hit us, he pushed us to the other side of the street," says Davis.

She and her boyfriend both suffered injuries from the impact. 

“I couldn’t see. I saw half of everything. He was on ground saying he couldn’t breathe. I ended up pulling myself out of the car to make sure he was okay because he said he couldn’t breathe. Some glass went under my eyelid and cut my eyelid and the blood got in my eye and dried up.”

Davis encourages everyone to be safe this weekend. 

“I understand celebrating, but be careful. Your life is not the only one that’s on the road. It’s other cars around you so therefore you have to be mindful.”

The Mississippi Department of Transportation suggests these tips for Mississippians during the holiday weekend: 

1. To plan ahead and designate a sober driver. 

2. If you do become intoxicated, use public transportation. 

3. If you see someone who is about to drive or ride while intoxicated, take their keys and help them get home safely. 

4. If you see a drunk driver on the road, do not hesitate to call local law enforcement.