Alcohol Is a Factor as 20 People Lose Their Lives on the Roads of Virginia over the Holidays

Traffic accidents in Virginia claimed the lives of 20 people over the Christmas and New Year’s holiday.

Virginia State Police said 19 traffic accidents killed 20 people in the state over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

The figure is four more than last year when 16 people died during those holiday periods. However, that was based on four-day periods — one day less than in 2013. The last time both holiday periods stretched to five days was 2007, when 21 traffic deaths were recorded, Associated Press reported.

This year’s 20 deaths were evenly split between the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. At least three crashes were alcohol-related, and at least six of the victims were killed while not wearing seat belts, reported state police. The only double fatality occurred on Dec. 21 in Greensville County.

One of those deaths occurred here in Hampton Roads in Newport News. It was linked to drunk driving when a car crashed on J Clyde Morris Boulevard.

Every year the police step up patrols over the holidays to target drunk drivers. Sadly the problem persists, even though we have known about the clear link between alcohol or drugs and crashes for decades.

If you have been seriously injured by a drunk driver you may face a seriously crippling situation due to the fault of another driver. You will need to recover the most you can to help you cope with your injuries. In some cases those who have been hurt by drunk drivers may recover additional money known as punitive damages in Virginia.

Call an experienced Hampton Roads DUI injury lawyer, if you have been hurt by the actions of an intoxicated driver. Contact the Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers at 757.455.0077 or see Cooperhurley.com