RICHMOND, Virginia., August 26, 2021 / PRNewswire / – Today marks the launch of that of Virginia 20^e annual Strike force of control points DUI app and public education campaign. The enforcement aspect of the two-decade-old road safety campaign will take place from 20 August until Labor Day weekend and resume throughout the 2021 winter holiday season.

“It’s great news that the restaurants are open again and everyone is eager to celebrate, but let’s all remember to do it safely and take care of each other,” said Governor Ralph northam. “Checkpoint Strikeforce’s tireless efforts over the past 20 years have been essential in reminding Virginians of the importance of safe riding after drinking. This year, as they have done for the past two decades, Checkpoint Strikeforce will help keep drunk drivers off the road and save the lives of countless Virginians. “

The campaign’s launch is supported by new research from local partner Lake Research Partners who this month surveyed Virginia drivers most likely to drive after drinking: males aged 21 to 35. Research has shown that over the past year, 90% of men surveyed admit to having driven after having had a few drinks or to having been driven by someone who had had a few drinks, despite 93% young men indicating that they believe it is important to have a plan to get home safely after a night of drinking. Of the men surveyed, 61% expect to need a safe commute after drinking more or the same amount this year compared to before the pandemic, showing a desire to go out drinking amid COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

“As a trauma surgeon, I have witnessed the destruction that impaired driving causes to families and communities,” said Michel B. Aboutanos, MD, who is the medical director of the VCU Medical Center Level I Trauma Center and the VCU Injury and Violence Prevention Program. “Drunk driving injuries can be devastating not only for the driver, but also for innocent people on the roads. Treating injuries starts with preventing them from happening in the first place and we need everyone in the community to play a role in preventing impaired driving. “

Last year in Virginia, almost a third (32%) of all Virginia fatal traffic accidents were linked to alcohol-related accidents. In addition, 14,105 people were convicted of impaired driving in the Commonwealth in 2020. Just over the Labor Day weekend of last year, State of virginia soldiers arrested 55 drunk drivers, an average of one drunk driving arrest every 104 minutes. Checkpoint Strikeforce is a crucial joint effort between public and private partners that works to stop these deaths through surround sound persuasion campaigns and a high-visibility app that reminds potential offenders to roam safely. safety after drinking or if they are in danger of being arrested. Public safety messages from the Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign and healthcare partners, as well as law enforcement, play a critical role in helping to keep impaired drivers off the road. The message to Virginians is simple. If you are old enough to drink, act on it.

The Washington Regional Nonprofit Alcohol Program is proud to partner with Virginia for the 20^e annual Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign, marking two decades to save the lives of Virginians from fatal drunk driving crashes, ”said Kurt Erickson, President and CEO of the VirginiaWashington-based Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP). “Since Checkpoint Strikeforce’s inaugural campaign in 2001, alcohol-related crashes have decreased by 41.2%, deaths have decreased by 24% and injuries have halved.

Virginia State Police personnel will be working during the holidays as part of Operation CARE – the effort to reduce accident awareness. CARE is a state-sponsored national road safety program that aims to reduce traffic accidents, fatalities and injuries from impaired driving, speeding and failure to obey vehicle restraints. occupants. Virginia State police participation in the program will begin Friday, September 3, 2021, To 12:01 am, and continue until midnight Monday, September 6, 2021.

Besides, 128 Virginia law enforcement agencies will participate in the first wave of that of Virginia Checkpoint Strikeforce Campaign 20 August until Labor Day. Law enforcement officers will conduct 559 individual saturation patrols and 74 sobriety checkpoints across the Commonwealth.

In addition to law enforcement, Checkpoint Strikeforce is continuing its “Act Like It” advertising campaign. The 30-second ad is an updated version of the spot that debuted in 2018. To deal with the changing environment in 2021 with the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the opening of restaurants, the “man-baby” character of the road safety campaign returns to the bar, considering a dangerous choice after drinking. The spot was built on public opinion research which shows that the main campaign audience strongly agrees (81% with 94% overall agree) that “people who drive in good condition intoxicated people do not act like responsible adults “. The ads remind viewers that drinking and driving is irresponsible – if you’re old enough to drink, act like one. Don’t risk a DUI. The latest announcement can be viewed here: http://actlikeit.org/.

Checkpoint Strikeforce is part of a research-based, zero-tolerance, multi-state initiative designed to keep impaired drivers off the road using sobriety checkpoints and patrols as well as education on hazards and hazards. consequences of impaired driving. that of Virginia The Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign is supported by a grant from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to the nonprofit organization and VirginiaWashington-based Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP).

SOURCE Strikeforce Checkpoint

Related links

http://actlikeit.org