Increased DUI Enforcement Underway For Holidays In Virginia

VIRGINIA — Virginia State Police and local law enforcement are carrying out increased enforcement to combat drunk driving across the state this holiday season.

The enforcement campaign, held in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, runs through Wednesday, Jan. 1. In addition, police remind drivers to share the road, follow speed limits and wear seat belts.

The high-visibility enforcement campaign is aimed at reducing drunk driving and its consequences on Virginia roadways. In 2018, Virginia had 7,181 crashes tied to drunk driving. These crashes resulted in 278 deaths and 4,475 injuries. Nationwide, there were 10,511 drunk-driving crash fatalities in 2018.

The two holidays in late December combine to make one of the high-risk times for drunk driving. The 285 fatalities during the Christmas and New Year's holiday periods were the most of any holiday period last year across the U.S.

In Virginia, a driver can be charged with DUI if blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher. The penalty for a first DUI offense is a minimum $250 fine and revocation of a driver's license for one year. For a second offense, the minimum fine is $500 with revocation of a driver's license for three years; this second offense could also result in up to one year in jail.

One strategy to reduce drunk driving in the DC region is the return of the SoberRide program. Free Lyft rides up to $15 are available in the Northern Virginia coverage area from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. between Dec. 20 and Jan. 1. The code to redeem the offer will be posted on www.wrap.org/soberride at 9 p.m. on Dec. 20, 27 and 31.

Virginia State Police have additional tips to avoid drunk driving:

• Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride sharing service to get home safely.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, dial #77 on a cell or call 911.
• Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.