PRESS RELEASE
May 29, 2022
DEPUTY DAVID MOYER
TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAM MANAGER
(540) 928-2260
DMOYER@BOTETOURTVA.GOV
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
SHERIFF’S OFFICE AIMS TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CRASHES AND RELATED INJURIES AND FATALITIES WITH “CLICK IT AND TICKET CAMPAIGN”
FINCASTLE, VA – The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office will be working towards preventing traffic crash fatalities and injuries with an enforcement campaign geared to encourage safe driving behavior early in the travel season.
In 2021 the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) reported that crash fatalities had reached a 14 year high with 968 traffic deaths and with an expected increase in the number of travelers this year over last year, 2022 statistics appear to be following that same trend. In partnership with the Governor’s Office on Highway Safety, The Botetourt Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement agencies across the commonwealth will join forces to provide high visibility enforcement on our highways. The statewide program titled, “Click it or Ticket” is geared toward getting motorist to buckle up before the busy travel season. Grant funding through the DMV will allow us to provide extra traffic enforcement on our highways from May 23 through June 5th.
Law enforcement officers across the state will be targeting violations in four key categories (Impaired Driving, Speeding, Not wearing a Safety Belt, and Distracted Driving) that have been identified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as the leading factors that cause crash injuries and deaths.
In Botetourt County alone 148 people were injured in speed related crashes and another 11 in alcohol related crashes in 2021. We want to emphasize the value and importance of wearing a safety belt while traveling. Statistics show that among drivers and front seat passengers, seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45%, and cut the risk of serious injury by 50%. Seat Belts save lives.
“The Summer travel season is upon us”, said Sheriff Matt Ward, “one death on our highways is one too many. Last year four people were killed in Botetourt County crashes. We want our families to make memories with their loved ones and enjoy the holidays together”, he said.
Please join us in our efforts to keep the roadways in our community safe; buckle up, slow down and don’t drive distracted or impaired.
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