Nearly 200 law enforcement agencies across Virginia are increasing their efforts to address impaired driving during the Labor Day weekend as part of the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. Authorities will conduct 705 saturation patrols and 86 sobriety checkpoints throughout the Commonwealth.
In 2024, Virginia recorded 6,767 alcohol-related crashes, resulting in 318 deaths and over 4,300 injuries. The number of fatalities rose by 8.5% compared to the previous year.
“Over last year’s Labor Day weekend in Virginia, ten people lost their lives in traffic crashes, with one-third of those deaths involving a driver who was drinking,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “In addition, over the same weekend last year, there were 95 alcohol-related crashes and 19 serious alcohol-related traffic injuries. These heartbreaking events are avoidable, and I encourage everyone to plan ahead, line up a safe ride home and do not drink and drive.”
The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign has been active for 24 years in Virginia. This year’s heightened enforcement period runs from August 13 through September 1.
“Alcohol-related crashes are preventable,” said Secretary of Transportation W. Sheppard Miller III. “One simple decision can either save a life or take a life, which is why I urge everyone to make the right decision and do not drink and drive over the upcoming holiday weekend.”
The campaign combines public safety messages with visible law enforcement presence to deter impaired driving. Recent research by GWI (Global Web Index) surveyed young male drivers aged 21 to 35 in Virginia—those most likely to drive after drinking—and found that while almost all respondents (96.1%) believe it is important to plan for a safe ride home after drinking, only about two-thirds regularly do so.
“We’re working with law enforcement officers to help stop impaired drivers and save lives across the Commonwealth. Ahead of your Labor Day weekend plans, choose to plan for a safe and sober ride home before your festivities,” said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey, the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “You don’t want to make a choice that could potentially end your life or someone else’s.”
Since its launch in 2002, the campaign has contributed to reductions in drunk driving incidents: alcohol-related crashes have dropped nearly 40%, fatalities have decreased by more than 11%, and injuries have been cut by almost half between 2001 and 2024.
Virginia State Police will also participate in Operation CARE (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort), a national program focused on reducing traffic crashes caused by impaired driving, speeding, and failure to use seat belts. Their involvement will run from August 29 through September 1.
“With 181 law enforcement agencies participating throughout the Commonwealth, Virginians will see a significantly stepped-up effort by state and local law enforcement to identify and apprehend impaired drivers through the Labor Day holiday,” said Virginia State Police Superintendent Colonel Matthew D. Hanley.
Alongside enforcement activities, this year’s campaign includes “What’s the Damage?”, an awareness initiative using digital materials at WhatsTheDamage.org aimed at reminding motorists about the costs associated with drunk driving.
The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign receives support from a grant provided by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), a nonprofit based in Virginia.
