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It leads the region in slashing the number of vehicle crashes caused by impaired drivers, according to a Washington Examiner report.
There were 11,736 alcohol- or drug-related traffic accidents in 2006 statewide, according to statistics cited in the report. That number dropped to 8,221 in 2010.
In Maryland, the numbers stayed about the same during that time period. In D.C., the number of impaired drivers getting involved in accident went up.
Police and safety officials in Virginia credit the drop to a combination of aggressive enforcement – like frequent sobriety checkpoints - and education. The state conducted 623 checkpoints last year, John Saunders, director of the Virginia Highway Safety Office told the Examiner. He added, since checkpoints are well-publicized they act as a deterrent so other drinkers may think twice before climbing behind the wheel.
For a full break down of the numbers, click here.
