State partners encourage safe celebrations and highlight the dangers of impairment from alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs - ODOT release - SALEM–As Oregonians gear up for a long weekend of barbecues, parades, river floats and fireworks, several state agencies are teaming up with a shared message: Celebrate responsibly. Don’t drive or boat under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or any drug that impairs your ability to operate a vehicle safely.  Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB), Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC), and Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission (ADPC) are working together to raise awareness about the risks of impaired driving and boating. Impairment can come from alcohol, marijuana, opioids, methamphetamines—even prescription or over-the-counter medications.  “Impairment isn’t just about alcohol,” said Ryan Stone, operations and policy manager at ODOT. “Driving under the influence of marijuana, opioids, meth, or even prescription drugs like sleep aids or strong cold medicine can be just as dangerous. If it affects your ability to think clearly, react quickly, or stay focused, it puts you—and others—at risk.”  Summer is a peak time for alcohol use in Oregon. Liquor sales rise, parties and outdoor events become more frequent, and the potential for risky behavior increases. In Oregon, more than 2,500 people die from alcohol-related causes each year.  “Excessive alcohol use can sneak up on us,” said Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H., deputy state health officer and epidemiologist at OHA. “Summer is full of occasions where drinking is common—holidays, weddings, cookouts—but the harms increase during this season as well.”  Impairment also contributes to serious incidents on Oregon’s waterways.  “Impairment is a leading contributing factor in recreational boating incidents and fatalities on Oregon’s waterways — often from operators or passengers falling overboard and drowning,” says Ashley Massey, public information officer for the Marine Board. “Substances like alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs affect vision, judgment, and coordination. Combined with environmental stressors like wind, sun, noise, wave action, and boat motion, the effects of impairment are intensified. Safe boating starts with being sober and clear-headed.”  Alcohol plays a role in many preventable tragedies—from traffic crashes and boating injuries to drownings and heat-related deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that alcohol is involved in about 31% of all drownings. In Oregon, about 11% of summer heat-related deaths involve alcohol.  “On top of the immediate harms, alcohol contributes to cancer, heart disease, poor mental health, and other long-term health issues,” Jeanne adds. “The good news? These harms are preventable.”  Agencies encourage Oregonians to take simple steps to stay safe this holiday weekend—and all summer long:  Tips for a safer Fourth of July:  Plan ahead: Use a designated driver, taxi, ride-share, or public transit.  Host responsibly: Offer non-alcoholic drinks and monitor guest consumption.  Drink less: Choose non-alcoholic options. If you are drinking, alternate alcoholic drinks with water or use mixers to slow intake.  Stay hydrated and fed: Drink water and eat while drinking alcohol.  Set limits: Decide how much you’ll drink and identify your triggers.  Track your intake: Use apps or tools to monitor alcohol consumption.  Check medications: Some prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs impair your ability to drive or boat—read the labels.  Avoid mixing substances: Combining alcohol with cannabis or other drugs increases impairment and the risk of overdose.  Start a conversation: Visit www.rethinkthedrink.com for tools and resources.  “Responsible use of alcohol and cannabis is a choice—and one that protects our own well-being as well as the safety of others,” said Dennis Doherty, chair of the OLCC. “Celebrate wisely this Fourth. Your safety and the safety of others depends on it.”  “Alcohol and substance use isn’t just a personal matter. It affects our friends, families and communities,” said Annaliese Dolph, director of the ADPC. “Children and young adults learn from our behavior. Communities feel the impact when substance use creates safety risks. Fortunately, moderation and support don’t have to be individual efforts—we can all help each other make safe choices.”  If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use, free and confidential help is available. Call 1-800-923-HELP (4357).