Labor Day Traffic: DUI and Safe Driving Crackdown, Says State Police

Labor Day Weekend is upon us, and if you have a road trip planned, Virginia state troopers are hoping everyone keeps a few important points in mind--Hurricane Hermine, and their annual C.A.R.E. campaign, which will put extra patrols out on roads across the state.

Already as of Friday morning, extra state patrols are out working roads for the holiday weekend as part of their annual Operation "Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) campaign.

In particular, troopers will be watching closely for people driving while impaired, speeding, or failing to buckle up.

Sadly, state police issued a statement this week indicating that road deaths were up significantly last year across Virginia, from 11 deaths in 2014 to 16 deaths in 2015.

"In addition, [state police investigated] 617 total traffic crashes during last year’s holiday weekend, and stopped 11,412 speeders and 3,189 reckless drivers," the statement read. "Troopers cited 933 safety belt violations and 336 child safety seat violations."

In addition, DUI patrols will be increased, with the help of roughly 200 partner agencies, state police said. Last year, troopers arrested 119 people for driving under the influence, and 241 people died in alcohol-related crashes.

“Drunk driving takes a life, on average, every 36 hours in Virginia,” Lt. Colonel George L. Daniels Jr., Bureau of Field Operations Director, said at a Checkpoint Strikeforce kickoff press conference in Richmond Thursday. “Drunk drivers don’t discriminate. They put everyone on the road at risk—a painful and never-ending reality for the families of the 241 people who died in alcohol-related traffic crashes in Virginia last year.”

For Northern Virginia residents who plan to head to the southern end of the state for the holiday weekend, state police also warn everyone that Hurricane Hermine is set to hit the Hampton Roads area hard.

"With Hurricane Hermine’s path currently forecasted to impact Hampton Roads, there is a serious potential for heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding in the coastal region. Drivers are advised to monitor the weather forecasts throughout the holiday weekend," state police warned. "Motorists are also advised to never drive through flooded roadways or high, standing water, due to the severe threat of your vehicle getting stuck or carried away in the current."

"When driving in heavy rain, always use your headlights, buckle up, slow down for adverse road conditions, and remain alert to other motorists and high water."

For more information on storm preparations, safety tips, and advisories related to this storm, go to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management website.