Today, Governor Terry McAuliffe announced a new website that aims to combat drunk driving by showing the faces of those who have been affected by it.
In 2013, the number of fatalities increased 10.48% in drunk driving cases, which is the first time this has happened in six years. Drunk driving claimed 253 lives last year. On average, drunk driving has taken the lives of two Virginians every three days.
The website is called The Virginia Faces of Drunk Driving. It’s a Tumblr site that has been dedicated to the lives lost and to those who have survived.
One of the individuals mentioned on the site, former Virginia Beach Police Officer Ted Marriner, has been featured in a special NewsChannel 3 report. He is now receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy to help him heal from being hit by a drunk driver nine years ago.
“Given that drunk driving is a 100% preventable crime, even one death is too many ,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Last year’s increase in fatalities should be a huge wake-up call to all Virginians that we cannot rest until all of our friends and families are safe from these terrible and unnecessary tragedies.
These photos show the victims in joyful times before tragedy happened. There are also stories written about each person. The governor hopes this website encourages would be drunk drivers to make better choices instead of getting behind the wheel putting their lives and the lives of others in danger.
To see get more information about drunk driving crashes, click here.
Click here to visit The Virginia Faces of Drunk Driving website.
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Woman accused of driving drunk, crashing car while wearing stolen snake
