With traffic deaths on Virginia highways on the increase for the first time in two years, the Virginia State Police is hoping a new collaborative campaign with two of the Commonwealth’s flagship universities will help bring much needed attention to the necessity for all Virginians to make traffic safety a priority.
The State Police, University of Virginia and Virginia Tech are launching a new public service announcement featuring football coaches Mike London and Frank Beamer, respectively, with a critical message – Drive To Save Lives.
The video, produced in partnership with Advance Auto Parts headquartered in Roanoke, Va., aims to reach young adult drivers who are most at risk for traffic crashes, injuries and deaths on Virginia highways. Last year in Virginia, 123 male and female drivers and passengers between the ages of 18 and 25 lost their lives in a traffic crash.* In 2014, there were 10,220 drivers and 2,815 passengers between ages 18 and 25 injured in traffic crashes statewide.*
“Preventing crashes and saving the lives of our college-aged teens and adults in Virginia are dependent on these young men and women practicing the basics of traffic safety,” said Colonel Flaherty. “We hope this collaborative public service announcement resonates with young adult drivers and passengers, and convinces them to tackle any bad driving habits by establishing a new game plan for safety on Virginia’s roads.”
The PSA’s “Game Plan” is for all Virginians to buckle up, reduce speeds, not to drive impaired, not to text while driving, maintain their vehicles, use caution at railroad crossings, and comply with the state’s “Move Over” to protect first responders and highway safety workers.
“As a former police officer, I have seen firsthand the dangers that come from unsafe driving,” said Coach London. “I want to thank the Virginia State Police for emphasizing the message, especially to young drivers, to buckle up, drive safely, not be a distracted driver and to take special notice when VDOT and safety responders are working along our roads and highways. Please help adopt their “Game Plan” to help make our roadways safe.”
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