Creative video reminds drivers to avoid hitting the road after drinking

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - We are just days away from New Year’s Eve, and celebrations will be happening all over Central Virginia.

As you prepare to ring in the new year, safety experts say now is the time to figure out who will be your designated driver. In Virginia last year, nearly 250 people died as a result of drinking related incidents. Now police are getting creative in order to send a very strong message. It’s a witty video, designed to get your attention.

“Another round!” a man says after drinking.

Drinks are pouring at a party where there’s lots of fun at a bar... until.

“What a night! I’m going to head home now,” the man says.

"Make sure you call for a ride. That’s what we’re doing,” his friend suggests.

“I’m fine. I can drive,” he man continued. It’s part of the campaign “Act Like It”.

The message is, if you’re old enough to drink, act like it by not getting behind the wheel. That’s an important reminder as we head into the new year.

"Many, many years ago I was in a crash and I almost killed my brother,” said Janet Brooking of Drive Smart Virginia.

It’s why highway safety is so important to her.

"There are a lot of parties, a lot of socializing ... The holidays, although they’re great fun, they’re also very, very stressful times and we see a lot of increase in aggressive driving during the holidays,” she says that includes drunk driving.

Brooking points to data from this time last year on Virginia roads. During the New Year holiday weekend, there were 136 alcohol-related crashes leading to 65 people being injured. Three people died.

"A lot of people are good with not getting behind the wheel but don't have as much of an issue with riding with someone else who has been drinking so we would say don't do that either…Choose a sober driver and always buckle up,” she said.

There are several options to get home safe New Year’s Eve, including a Richmond law firm who teamed up with Lyft and GRTC Pulse.

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