Christmas 2007 saw 14 people lose their lives on Virginia highways, an increase of one from the year before.

The weekend of Dec. 19-21 was observed as Operation CARE/Holiday Lifesaver Weekend by troopers with the Virginia State Police.

Deputies with the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office have been cracking down on those driving under the influence, as well as other violations, in recent weeks during sobriety checkpoints. Their locations have been unannounced and they have netted several arrests for a variety of traffic offenses.

While residents enjoy the holidays with family and friends, 75 percent of the commonwealth’s troopers will be patrolling the highways and interstates.
Sheriff’s Office deputies also will be out in full force protecting the county.

Sgt. Tom Cunningham of the Virginia State Police said last year’s increase, while slight, has prompted what he calls “a significant increase in the number of Virginia State troopers, not only in the Hanover and Mechanicsville area, but statewide” this holiday season.

“As a matter of fact, 75 percent of troopers will be out. The Virginia State Police are hopeful that this increased visibility is a deterrent alone for aggressive and impaired drivers, but if not, the troopers will be prepared to make those traffic stops and issue those summonses and make arrests as necessary,” he added.

“It’s not until we get the cooperation and conscious decision from each and every motorist to drive safely that we’re going to see this fatality numbers significant reduced.”

Cunningham suggests that motorists be cognizant of the three Ds:

—Distratcted driving—With the advent of modern technolgy such as Blackberries, Bluetooths, iPods and cell phones, State Police are urging motorists to excercise discipline and not use these devices while driving; set a good example for those teen drivers and pre-teen drivers in the back seat watching you. It only takes a second for your hands to be diverted from driving before serious consequences could occur.

—Drowsy driving – When making long trips this holiday season recognize when you become tired. We’re human and we need our sleep. Techniques such as splashing cold water on your face, turning the radio up, rolling the window down or drinking caffeine are only temporary fixes to fatigued or drowsy driving. We want motorists this season to not push or go beyond their limits. If they do need to rest, make sure that they rest in a safe and lawful place to do so, not on the side of the roadway. If switching drivers, make sure that they get off the interstate and switch in a safe area.

—Drunk or impaired driving—The key for this is to plan ahead and decide before drinking that you’re not going to consume alcoholic beverages and drive. After having a drink or two is not the time to decide how to get home or to your destination. The cost of a cab or a bus fare is significantly less than the cost associated with a DUI conviction. Virginia State Police are urging those sober motorists to report any suspected drunk or impaired drivers by calling *77 or 911 on their cell phone to report drunk or impaired drivers. Key information that will help dispatchers would be vehicle description, direction of travel and license plate if it is safe for the caller to determine.

Deputies with the Sheriff’s Office have been taking extra steps to protect citizens and visitors in Hanover’s retail areas this holiday shopping season.
According to Sheriff V. Stuart Cook, the increased uniform presence includes reserve deputies, a dedicated group of highly trained volunteer law enforcement officers who conduct high visibility patrols during the peak evening shopping hours.

All D.A.R.E. and school resource officers have been reassigned from their school duties during the Christmas break to patrol the retail corridors. They are patrolling in vehicles and on foot.

A small team of specially trained deputies also will are conducting patrols on mountain bikes. Members of the Bike Patrol Unit are riding in the parking lots and along the corridors of the retail areas.

“Due to their method of travel, these officers will be able to move quickly in congested areas, while remaining very approachable by citizens,” the sheriff said.

The Sheriff’s Office, thanks to a grant from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, is cracking down on intoxicated and reckless drivers with overtime patrols.

For the eighth year, Cook’s office utilized the services of about 40 county residents who make up the Volunteer Citizens Courtesy Patrol.

They were visible in shopping centers from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and were equipped with cell phones and note pads. The sheriff noted that they serve as additional eyes and ears for his office, as well as ambassadors to citizens and visitors.

“We are extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated corps of citizens who graciously sacrifice their personal time in order to provide such a valuable service to those who live, work and shop in Hanover County,” said Cook.