Charleston, W.V. -- West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is reaching
out this New Year’s Eve to celebrate some of the biggest heroes of the
season; designated drivers.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) can have unpredictable consequences
ranging from inconvenient to heartbreaking, but the decision to secure a
designated driver in advance can change the course of history.
“As we celebrate the new year, please plan ahead and make responsible
decisions on the road,” said Everett Frazier, Commissioner of the West Virginia
DMV. “If your plans include alcohol, designate a sober driver or choose a safe
ride home. It’s the best way to protect yourself and others.”
Of the 256 highway traffic fatalities in West Virginia in 2024, one-third were
attributed to alcohol use. That’s 78 deaths which could have been avoided.
There are, however, no stats for the number of lives designated drivers saved.
That alone is reason to thank and celebrate a designated driver.
“We encourage the use of a sober designated driver as an alternative to driving
drunk, because all too often the 'DD' is just the least impaired," said Jack
McNeely, Director of the West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program. “In
those cases, we recommend rideshares such as Uber or Lyft. Any impairment
negatively impacts one's ability to navigate our roadways safely. "
Designated drivers never make headlines, but this year, the West Virginia DMV
is changing that by shining a light on the good work these everyday heroes are
about to do. The decision to save a life is made when volunteering to be a
designated driver.
"Data shows us that New Year’s Eve is one of the deadliest days on the
nation’s highways," said McNeely. "I would be remiss not to remind everyone
that municipal, county, and state law enforcement officers are out in full force as
part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign this holiday
season. Be smart behind the wheel, we want everyone to get home safely."
“The process of getting your license back if you get a DUI can be costly, and
time consuming,” said Rachael Payne, Interim Director of Driver Services at the
West Virginia DMV. “You may have to take classes, you may have to do
Interlock, you may have reinstatement fees. It’s expensive. A designated driver
is free.”
