Lubbock Police Launch Crucial Holiday Traffic Crackdown

America turns 250 this weekend! If there's one thing that Americans love, it's finding excuses to drink and party. As nice as it is to spend time with friends and family, it's even more important to be responsible and make smart choices. This is especially the case when alcohol and fireworks are mixed. And boy, will there be a lot of mixing this weekend.

The country only turns 250 once, which means you shouldn't be surprised if this year sees a higher-than-normal rate of drunk driving arrests and trips to the ER.

This is why Lubbock police, along with the Texas Department of Public Safety, are urging citizens to be safe when the drinks start flowing and the fireworks start popping.

What Are Lubbock Officers Watching For This Weekend?

When it comes to LPD, there are some key signs that they'll be looking for this weekend in order to keep our streets safe. What they're looking for the most are impaired drivers and speeding.

It's dangerous enough as it is on Lubbock streets. The last thing we need are drunk partiers zooming through stop signs on such a historic holiday.

Lt. Brady Cross from LPD spoke with Everything Lubbock and noted that there will be an increased patrol presence at night to limit the amount of drunk drivers on the roads.

As always, seatbelts should be worn at all times when the car is in motion, and those speed limit signs aren't just for decoration.

This year's 4th of July is a huge deal, so let's all celebrate with friends and family! But, as every buzzkill loves to say, let's do so responsibly.

I wish everyone a wonderful weekend! Oh, and I hope you keep all your fingers if you dabble with any firework celebrations...

How To Keep Your Dog Calm During Fireworks

While fireworks are fun for many, when it comes to our pets, it can be a very scary and stressful situation. These are some tips the American Kennel Club recommends to make your pet's experience with fireworks the best it can be.

Gallery Credit: Canva

How Do Fireworks Get Their Colors?

Besides being a fun fact to impress your friends during the finale, knowing what makes fireworks work is a reminder of just how intertwined our daily lives are with Earth’s natural resources. Some of these minerals are considered critical commodities, meaning they’re vital to modern life and can be difficult to source.

So the next time you see a shimmering white sparkle or a deep red bloom over the Mohawk River, you’ll know: there's real science, and some pretty rare elements behind all that beauty.

It all comes down to chemistry. When fireworks are launched, metallic compounds, also called mineral elements, are heated to really hot temperatures. And as they burn, they emit specific colors of light.

The more complex the mix, the more dazzling the display.

Gallery Credit: Unsplash/TSM

Stay Safe This Fourth of July with These Fireworks Tips

Fireworks safety tips from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to ensure that you, your friends, and your neighbors have a safe and happy 4th of July.

Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals