Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - With the year-end holidays upon us, State Police are asking Virginians to prioritize safe and sober driving in order to make sure everyone gets to their holiday destination safely.
Virginia State Police (VSP) says preliminary data indicates that 813 people have lost their lives on Virginia roadways this year. That is 76 fewer traffic deaths than last year at this time.
“This year, Virginia appears to have reversed the trend of increasing traffic deaths,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. “Fortunately, the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday weekend experienced a decrease of eight traffic deaths, from 19 to 11, on Virginia’s highways.
“That is still 11 too many,” Settle adds. VSP is asking the driving public to buckle up, drive distraction-free, comply with speed limits, and always drive sober to prevent more tragedy from occurring.
Last month, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) launched its #ToGetThere Campaign, saying Americans face 21 million chances they or a loved one could face a drunk driver over the holidays (between Nov. 1 and Jan. 1).
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 1,000 people died in drunk driving crashes nationwide in December 2021 (the most recent year data was available), which was the highest number since 2007.
To avoid a tragedy, police are asking everyone to do the following this holiday season:
• Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a friend, call family, call a cab or use public transportation.
• If you know someone who has been drinking, do not let them drive. Arrange another safe way home.
• Remain alert 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.
