Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” safe driving campaign begins today, Aug. 19, across Virginia

Prince William County Police have joined law enforcement agencies throughout Virginia as part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign and the local Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign. The campaigns start today, Friday, Aug. 19, and go through Monday, Sept. 5,

Preventing impaired driving is the focus of the campaigns, which are held in advance of and include the Labor Day holiday, one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

In combination with increased enforcement, law enforcement agencies, DMV’s Virginia Highway Safety Office and the Washington Regional Alcohol Program,  traffic safety advocates across Virginia have teamed up to provide education and outreach efforts about the dangers of impaired driving.

According to a news release from the Prince William County Police Department, 16 people died in traffic crashes on the state’s roads during the four-day Labor Day holiday last year. In Virginia in 2015, there were 241 alcohol-related fatalities and 4,917 alcohol-related injuries. The 241 people killed in alcohol-related crashes in Virginia represent 32 percent of all traffic fatalities.

To decrease overall traffic deaths Virginia believes it must start by preventing drunk driving. The Police Department encourages everyone who plans on drinking during the holiday to have a plan before the cookouts and parties begin. Doing something as simple as choosing a sober driver could help you avoid severe injury and even death.

So, this August, and every day, remember:  There is never an excuse to drink and drive. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
Always drive sober. Use a designated driver, call a cab or a friend, or use public transportation. Never drive if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Always buckle up. According to the news release, seat belts are the most effective traffic safety device for preventing death during a crash, and belts are the best defense against impaired drivers.