Published: July 02, 2008 04:02 pm      

Checkpoint strikeforce — Don’t drink and drive this Fourth of July

Despite soaring gas prices, motorists will still be out and about this Fourth of July holiday. As a result, law enforcement officials are reminding area residents not to drink alcohol while driving. Law enforcement officials across southern West Virginia and Southwest Virginia will be out in force during the holiday weekend looking for impaired drivers.

In Virginia, state police and local law enforcement agencies will conduct concentrated DUI enforcement operations as part of this year’s regional Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign. The campaign includes high visibility sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols as a means to educate, identify and apprehend intoxicated drivers.

Between Oct. 1, 2007 and June 1, 2008, the Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign netted 779 DUI arrests in Virginia. It also resulted in 1,023 safety belt citations being issued, and another 209 child restraint citations. Another 36 juveniles were cited for underage drinking during the time period.

In West Virginia, the July Fourth holiday is the second deadliest day of the year on America’s roadways, according to Sgt. Jay Powers, a public affairs officer with the West Virginia State Police.

Troopers in West Virginia will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) and The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Over the Limit, Under Arrest” campaign this holiday weekend. As part of the two campaigns, the state police will emphasize strict enforcement of DUI, reckless driving, speeding, failure to buckle up and child restraint violations.

The Fourth of July weekend is a time for fireworks, family get-togethers, barbecues, picnics and other fun and family-themed activities as we celebrate our independence and our freedoms. It is not a time to drink and drive. Sadly, 18 people died on Virginia’s’ roadways during the six-day Fourth of July holiday in 2007. There were 22 deaths on Virginia roads during the five-day holiday in 2008.

We don’t want to see a repeat of those deadly statistics this Fourth of July. Not in Southwest Virginia. And not in southern West Virginia.

We can all enjoy a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend by following a few good common sense rules:

• Don’t drink and drive.

• Don’t drive while impaired by drugs or narcotics

• Buckle up.

• Obey the speed limit.

• Avoid distractions while behind the wheel.

Let’s celebrate our Independence Day without drugs and alcohol. If you must drink, don’t drive. If you must travel, have a designated driver, or be prepared to call a cab.

No one wants to become Virginia or West Virginia’s next traffic fatality statistic.