Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - With New Year’s celebrations soon to be in full swing, safety officials are ramping up enforcement efforts and getting out their annual message about the dangers of drunk driving.
The period between Christmas and New Year’s consistently ranks among the year’s deadliest days for alcohol-related traffic fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Last year, Henrico County saw an 8% increase in drunk driving deaths, while Chesterfield County experienced a 25% increase – an average of one fatality per day.
Drunk driving can have far-reaching, life altering consequences. About a third of drunk driving victims are non-intoxicated drivers, non-intoxicated passengers, and non-intoxicated pedestrians.
With the aim of reducing drunk driving-related incidents and fatalities, officials are emphasizing the importance of having a plan if you’re going to drink. Options include having a designated driver or calling a cab or ride share.
Virginia State Police and localities are currently in the middle of their holiday “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, with enforcement efforts designed to discourage driving while intoxicated.
If you plan to attend a New Year’s celebration, authorities urge you to take the following steps to ensure that you get home safely:
• Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a friend, call family, call a cab or use public transportation;
• Don’t let others drive drunk. If you know someone who has been drinking, do not let them drive. Arrange another safe way home;
• Remain alert. Look out for impaired drivers and do not hesitate to notify law enforcement by dialing #77 (hands free only or have a passenger call) to notify your nearest Virginia State Police Emergency Communications Center. Your actions could save someone’s life.