Virginia launches 23rd annual ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Monday marks the beginning of the 23rd annual “ Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over ” campaign in Virginia, an initiative aimed at combating drunk driving and promoting safe transportation alternatives. This year, the campaign once again focuses on enforcing penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) and encouraging individuals to secure a safe, sober ride home.

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” which has been recognized nationally since 2001, serves as a crucial reminder of the severe consequences associated with impaired driving. According to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s office, there were 6,910 alcohol-related crashes occurred in Virginia in 2022, resulting in 274 fatalities and 4,174 injuries.

This year, Governor Glenn Youngkin’s administration is announcing a new part of the campaign. “What’s the Damage?” will provide a new perspective under “impactful messaging” to encourage drivers to plan a safe, sober ride home.

As part of the campaign, nearly 150 law enforcement agencies across the state participated last year , conducting 476 individual patrols and 100 sobriety checkpoints. The campaign employs a combination of public safety messaging and high-visibility enforcement to underscore the dangers and repercussions of driving under the influence.

Research from the 2022 holiday season by Lake Research Partners highlighted that men ages 21 to 35 are most likely to drive under the influence, with 63% admitting to either driving drunk themselves or being a passenger with an impaired driver, out of the 91% of alcohol-related crashes involving men.

Later in the day on Monday, Aug. 26, Governor Youngkin, along with law enforcement officials and trauma care doctors who have seen the consequences of drunk driving up close, will officially launch this year’s campaign and discuss any new changes.

Since the campaign’s inception, alcohol-related crashes have decreased by 38%, deaths have decreased by 23% and injuries from such incidents have been cut in half, according to the governor’s office.

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