Authorities ramp up patrols ahead of New Year’s to combat drunk driving
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With New Year’s celebrations just days away, safety officials are urging drivers to avoid the dangers of drunk driving. The period between Christmas and New Year’s often sees a spike in alcohol-related traffic fatalities, and Virginia law enforcement is taking action to prevent these tragedies. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving accounts for 31% of traffic deaths annually, but that figure rises to nearly 40% during the holiday season. Last year, Henrico County saw an 8% increase in drunk driving deaths, while Chesterfield County experienced a 25% increase -- equating to an average of one fatality per day. "Even if you say, 'I'm not going out for New Year's' or 'I don't drink'... there's still a role we can all play," said Kurt Erickson, the director of Virginia's "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign. The consequences of drunk driving can be far-reaching. Erickson highlighted to 8News the randomness of its impact. "The victims of drunk driving are so random," he said. "A third of drunk driving victims are non-intoxicated drivers, non-intoxicated passengers [and] non-intoxicated pedestrians." In addition to stepped-up law enforcement, Virginia law mandates the use of in-car breathalyzer devices for anyone convicted of a DUI, regardless of whether it's their first offense or a repeated violation. Officials emphasized the importance of planning ahead to ensure a safe trip home. Options such as taxis, rideshare services or relying on a sober friend can save lives during the holiday season. Erickson's message reminds everyone, no matter who you are, drunk driving can have life-altering consequences.
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With New Year’s celebrations just days away, safety officials are urging drivers to avoid the dangers of drunk driving.
The period between Christmas and New Year’s often sees a spike in alcohol-related traffic fatalities, and Virginia law enforcement is taking action to prevent these tragedies.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving accounts for 31% of traffic deaths annually, but that figure rises to nearly 40% during the holiday season.
Last year, Henrico County saw an 8% increase in drunk driving deaths, while Chesterfield County experienced a 25% increase -- equating to an average of one fatality per day.
"Even if you say, 'I'm not going out for New Year's' or 'I don't drink'... there's still a role we can all play," said Kurt Erickson, the director of Virginia's "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign.
The consequences of drunk driving can be far-reaching. Erickson highlighted to 8News the randomness of its impact.
"The victims of drunk driving are so random," he said. "A third of drunk driving victims are non-intoxicated drivers, non-intoxicated passengers [and] non-intoxicated pedestrians."
In addition to stepped-up law enforcement, Virginia law mandates the use of in-car breathalyzer devices for anyone convicted of a DUI, regardless of whether it's their first offense or a repeated violation.
Officials emphasized the importance of planning ahead to ensure a safe trip home. Options such as taxis, rideshare services or relying on a sober friend can save lives during the holiday season.
Erickson's message reminds everyone, no matter who you are, drunk driving can have life-altering consequences.
