Drive Safe or Get Pulled Over: Virginia State Police Amplify Roadway Vigilance for Labor Day

The Importance of Smart, Safe, and Sober Driving Extends Beyond the Summer Holidays.

As Labor Day marks the unofficial close of summer, Virginia State Police and Governor Glenn Youngkin are reminding Virginians that the need for vigilant and responsible driving never takes a vacation. A statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is already in full swing, looking to reduce alcohol-related incidents and promote traffic safety during the long weekend.

On August 28, 2023, Virginia State Police Superintendent Colonel Gary T. Settle joined hands with Governor Glenn Youngkin to announce the 22nd annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. Sponsored by the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), this annual initiative began on August 16 and will continue throughout the Labor Day holiday weekend. According to Settle, traffic safety is a core part of the Virginia State Police mission. “Virginians statewide can expect to see an increased presence of law enforcement on the road through the Labor Day weekend. DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols are planned to catch impaired drivers,” Settle said.

The campaign is part of Operation CARE (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing traffic incidents due to impaired driving, speeding, and the failure to use seat belts. During the 2022 Labor Day weekend, Virginia State Police arrested 87 impaired drivers and stopped 4,091 speeders along with 1,800 reckless drivers. Furthermore, they cited 434 seat belt violations and came to the aid of 818 disabled or stranded motorists. A total of 12 individuals lost their lives in traffic crashes during the 2022 Labor Day weekend, a sobering uptick from 10 deaths in 2021 but fewer than the 20 deaths in 2020.

Besides cracking down on impaired and reckless driving, Virginia State Police are also reminding drivers about Virginia’s “Move Over” law. The law requires that drivers should move over a lane when passing an emergency vehicle pulled over to the side. If that’s not possible, drivers are required to cautiously pass the emergency vehicle. Effective July 1, 2023, the law has been expanded to include any disabled vehicles with hazard lights or traffic safety materials displayed.

While the Labor Day weekend may signify the end of summer frolics, it shouldn’t mark the end of responsible driving. This Labor Day, Virginia State Police are urging everyone to drive smartly, safely, and soberly. With heightened police presence and strict enforcement of traffic laws, the objective is clear: to ensure that everyone arrives at their destinations safely.

*Source: Virginia Highway Safety Office, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles