Governor Ralph Northam announced a new Checkpoint Strikeforce Campaign to curb drunk driving during the holiday season according to a press statement.
The press statement announces the cooperation of 116 Virginia law enforcement agencies — mostly local sheriffs and police — as Virginia’s law enforcement professionals continue to serve at a time when most are huddled together with their families. From the Northam statement:
“Keep your family, your community, and yourself safe by not drinking and driving this holiday season,” said Governor Northam. “You can always designate a sober driver, call a taxi, or use public transportation and rideshare services. We owe our thanks to law enforcement professionals for keeping people safe this holiday season. Together, we can reduce impaired driving and save lives.”
In 2020, Virginia lost 272 lives in alcohol-related crashes. Since Checkpoint Strikeforce’s inaugural campaign in 2001, alcohol-related crashes have decreased 41.2 percent, fatalities have decreased by 24 percent, and injuries have decreased by half.
“The holidays traditionally pose an increased risk for fatalities involving alcohol-impaired driving,” said Richard D. Holcomb, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “Our goal is to ensure each and every Virginian gets home safely to their families this holiday season. Between Thanksgiving 2020 and New Year’s Day 2021 alone, 14 Virginians lost their lives in alcohol-related crashes. Our message is simple: as you celebrate with loved ones this holiday season, don’t put lives at risk by getting behind the wheel after drinking.”
In addition to the enhanced presence of law enforcement, 55 sobriety checkpoints will be raised at random high-traffic choke points across Virginia in order to reduce the threat of drunk and impaired driving.
No notification in the press statement details how Virginia LEOs are to react to impaired driving under the influence of marijuana versus alcohol, a notable omission given the fanfare the Northam administration offered earlier in the year.
