(Photo courtesy of Flickr User _rockinfree’s photostream)
According to Beach police officials, Virginia Beach police officers arrested 2,541 individuals for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs in 2011. Of the 26 fatal crashes that occurred in 2011, ten involved alcohol or drugs.
In anticipation of the number of people celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this week, officers from the Virginia Beach Police Department will be conducting numerous traffic safety checkpoints and saturation patrols.
These checkpoints and saturation patrols represent the police department’s efforts to reduce the number of impaired drivers on the roads of Virginia Beach. Those traveling in and around Virginia Beach may see message boards reminding them to celebrate responsibly.
‘Partygoers’ that decide to drink should make arrangements to have a designated driver to ensure they return home safely. They should also keep in mind that officers will hold multiple saturation patrols and checkpoints throughout the weekends before and after St. Patrick’s Day.
“The Virginia Beach Police Department takes a serious stance on addressing impaired driving and wants all citizens to arrive at their destination safely,” officials say.
For those drivers that have vehicles parked in one of the Municipal Parking Lots located at the Oceanfront at 2nd, 4th, 19th, and 25th Streets or Rudee Loop and realize they have had too much to drink, please be reminded of the city’s “Do Not Tow” program. To avoid having your vehicle towed, simply contact any police officer at the Oceanfront or call 757-385-5000 to avoid having your vehicle towed.
