'Saturation Saturday' checkpoints planned in Henrico, statewide Aug. 24

It's part of the annual "Saturation Saturday" effort ahead of Labor Day weekend, designed to prevent drunk driving deaths and injuries.

Labor Day weekend celebrations often lead to a dramatic rise in fatal impaired driving crashes, according to MADD and police officials. In 2022, there were 490 crash fatalities nationwide over the Labor Day holiday period — 39% of which involved a drunk driver, according to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System.

“Impaired drivers put everyone, including themselves, at risk. At NHTSA, we urge everyone to plan ahead and never drive after consuming alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs. Instead, designate a sober driver or call a ride-sharing service or cab to make sure you get home safely,” said Stephanie Hancock, the regional administrator for NHTSA's Region 3. “Even one drink can impair your driving ability. It’s a matter of life and death. If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sobriety checkpoints reduce drunk driving deaths by as much as 20%. Saturation Saturday also aligns with the annual NHTSA “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which mobilizes its Labor Day high-visibility enforcement efforts in August and September.