PRESS RELEASE
November 16, 2022
MEDIA CONTACT
DEPUTY DAVID MOYER
TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAM MANAGER
(540) 928-2260
DMOYER@BOTETOURTVA.GOV
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
Make It to the Table This Thanksgiving
Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving
FINCASTLE, VA – This Thanksgiving holiday, the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, and other area law enforcement partners to make sure you make it to the Thanksgiving table. With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, it’s important to remember that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. If your plans to celebrate include alcohol, plan for a sober driver.
Drunk-driving-related crashes spike during the Thanksgiving holiday season. During the Thanksgiving holiday last year, one person was killed and 61 injured in 110 alcohol-related crashes on Virginia roadways and 185 people were killed nationwide during the Thanksgiving holiday period.
“We know Thanksgiving is an exciting time for friends and families to gather around the Thanksgiving table,” said Sheriff Matt Ward. “Unfortunately, drunk driving is a real threat to our community, and that threat increases during holidays like Thanksgiving. Driving drunk is not acceptable behavior.”
This is why BCSO is working with other local agencies to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, but also deadly. As you head out to festivities during this Thanksgiving holiday, remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office is reminding citizens of the many resources available to get them home safely.
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Sheriff Ward recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:
Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use a ride service, call a taxi or a sober friend to get home safely.
If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center.
Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
By working together, we can save lives and help keep our roadways safe. Please join us in sharing the lifesaving message Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving during the holiday weekend.
For more information, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
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