Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

From August 15 through September 1, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be working alongside local law enforcement for the If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DUI. high-visibility enforcement campaign. The goal is to help prevent drug and alcohol-impaired driving, to save lives, and to prevent serious injury. The Amherst County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office alongside NHTSA is urging drivers to refrain from driving impaired. In all 50 states, it is illegal to drive while impaired by any substance.

We want to support our community by keeping it safe from drug and alcohol-impaired drivers. The bottom line is that no matter what the substance is, if a driver is impaired, they should not be driving. We want everyone to enjoy the last weeks of summer and the Labor Day holiday. Please commit to yourself and your community members that you’ll drive sober each and every day.

Violating Virginia’s drug and alcohol-impaired driving laws can be costly. A first offense DUI carries a penalty of up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500, and if you injure or kill someone, the penalties are much higher.

Many people believe that being high doesn’t affect driving abilities, but they are wrong. It has been proven that marijuana can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane. In addition, even a little alcohol can impair your ability to drive - even if you're only buzzed. Most people’s driving is impaired after only one or two drinks, even if their BAC is not at a 0.08. Any impaired driving resulting from alcohol or drugs can result in a conviction for a DUI.

Those who plan to use drugs or alcohol should not drive. Even over-the-counter and prescription medications can have impairing effects. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home. At many public events, the DMV has arranged for sober rides, including at the Amherst Labor Day Wine & Music Festival this month. Please take advantage of this resource.

If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When a friend has been using drugs or alcohol and is considering driving, friends should be proactive — take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots an impaired driver, contact Amherst County Dispatch at 434-946-9300.

For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving.