Increased DUI Enforcement Runs Through Labor Day In Virginia

VIRGINIA — State officials and law enforcement announced Checkpoint Strikeforce, an increased DUI enforcement effort running through Labor Day weekend. Around 98 law enforcement agencies including local and state police will operate 120 checkpoints and 640 saturation patrols from Aug. 16 through Sept. 3. Virginia law enforcement are participating as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign.

"Last year, Virginia saw a 12% (12.1%) increase in alcohol-related traffic deaths on the Commonwealth’s roadways. Such an increase should alarm every Virginian, as it's both disturbing and unacceptable," said Virginia State Police Col. Gary T. Settle in a statement. "I can assure you that all Virginia troopers will be actively participating in this year's Checkpoint Strikeforce enforcement efforts alongside our local law enforcement partners."

According to officials, 278 died in alcohol-related crashes and 19,790 were convicted of a DUI in Virginia last year. State troopers arrested 72 people for drunk driving last Labor Day weekend, which averaged out to an arrest every 80 minutes.

In Fairfax County, the state's most populous jurisdiction, there have been 209 alcohol-related crashes, resulting in eight deaths and 106 injuries so far in 2019. Five of these involved intoxicated drivers, and three involved impaired pedestrians.

A survey of Virginia drivers conducted by Lake Research in July showed men ages 21 to 35 are most likely to drive after drinking. The survey found 49 percent of this age group said they've driven after having a few drinks or being driven by someone who had a few drinks. The majority of young men believe it's important to plan a safe ride home, but 57 percent said they frequently do that.

Law enforcement offers the following tips to avoid alcohol-related crashes and DUI arrests:

• Don’t drink and drive.
• Plan ahead. If you are planning to drink, arrange for a designated driver, ride sharing service or taxi.
• If you are with someone who has been drinking, do not let them drive and try to arrange a sober ride for them.
• If you are hosting a party where alcohol will be served, ensure that your guests leave with a sober driver.
• While on the road, report any suspected impaired drivers by calling 911 or your local police non-emergency number.
• Communication is important. Parents should talk to their children about the dangers of impaired driving.

Law enforcement agencies plan to have other DUI enforcement campaigns around holidays such as Halloween, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.