Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced that law enforcement across the state will increase efforts to combat drunk driving during the holiday season as part of Virginia’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. The initiative aims to remind residents to plan for a safe ride home if their celebrations include alcohol.
“This holiday season, Virginians have the opportunity to make a responsible choice that can save lives: a safe ride home for someone who has been drinking,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Because every drunk driving fatality, injury, crash, and arrest is 100-percent preventable, Virginia’s ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ DUI enforcement and public education campaign is focused on keeping our roads safe throughout the holiday season. Virginians who choose to celebrate with alcohol are urged to plan ahead and always get home safely.”
The increased enforcement period runs from December 10, 2025, through January 1, 2026. During this time, police officers across Virginia will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints.
According to state data, there were 318 deaths due to alcohol-related crashes in Virginia last year. This figure marks an increase of about 8.5% compared with the previous year.
In addition to stepped-up law enforcement activities, this year’s media campaign expands on previous outreach efforts by increasing its presence in audiovisual channels and targeting individuals at points where they purchase alcohol. Public service announcements titled “What’s the Damage” highlight the consequences of driving under the influence and can be viewed at WhatsTheDamage.org.
Since its inception in 2002, the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign has contributed to a reduction in drunk driving incidents statewide. Over the past five years—from 2019 through 2024—alcohol-related traffic crashes have dropped by approximately four percent (source: Virginia DMV).
The campaign is supported by funding from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles provided through a grant to Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), a nonprofit based in Virginia.
