Police planning patrols for Labor Day weekend

The Virginia State Police is urging drivers to #Drive2SaveLives this Labor Day weekend.

The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates 421 people may be killed and another 48,400 may be seriously injured in auto crashes for the three-day holiday period, which is 11 percent higher than the average number of deaths, 378 for past Labor Day weekends.

As part of the enforcement, Troop K will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint in Colchester on Sunday evening.

They investigated 283 crashes, 43 with injuries – none fatal. The number of deaths has increased by nearly 50 from a year ago. Troopers arrested 12 people for boating while intoxicated during last year’s counting period. Year-round our members work to reduce drunk driving crashes and promote traffic safety.

“Once spotted wearing a life jacket, we may hand out prizes such as frisbees, cups and stickers”, said Gina Simpkins, park ranger at Stockton Lake in Missouri.

The extra support will begin Friday until Monday, Snapp added.

Among the agencies planning additional patrols: the Parkersburg Police Department. “We’re always on the lookout, however”. The crackdown is well underway and runs through September 4, 2017. It coincides with the Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”. “Whether traveling locally or for longer trips, never drink and drive; call *HP to report suspected drunk drivers; and avoid distractions behind the wheel”.

Minors under the age of 21 could face similar punishments. Drunk Driving or impaired driving is not an acceptable behavior. “It pretty much mirrors the national level as well”.

“Along with a DWI conviction and the financial consequences, violators also endure personal humiliation among friends and family”, Bryant said. The statewide efforts focus on men aged 21 to 35, who accounted for almost one-third of those killed in alcohol-related crashes in the state previous year. Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspensions and other expenses that can exceed $10,000. “The areas are usually lit up with our lights or with street lights for safety reasons”.