DMV urges Virginians to give thanks for designated drivers

As Thanksgiving approaches, the Virginia DMV urges motorists to be thankful for designated drivers.

“If your Thanksgiving celebration involves alcohol, select a designated sober driver to make sure you get home safely,” said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb, the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “Take a moment this Thanksgiving to say thanks to the designated driver who gets you home safely on Thanksgiving or any time throughout the year, whether it be a taxi driver, a rideshare, public transportation, your best friend or a family member. These folks are unsung heroes who prevent tragedies and save lives every day. They deserve our gratitude.”

Last year, 14 people died in Virginia crashes during the five-day Thanksgiving holiday (Wednesday, November 22-Sunday, November 26, 2017). Nearly half of those fatalities (6) – and more than 50 injuries – occurred in alcohol-related crashes. In all of 2017, 248 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in Virginia; that’s approximately 30 percent of all crash fatalities in the Commonwealth.

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, all DMV customer service centers will be closed from Thursday, November 22 through Saturday, November 24. Offices will reopen for normally scheduled business hours on Monday, November 26.

DMV customers are encouraged to save time – and perhaps a few dollars – by taking advantage of more than 40 transactions available online at dmvNOW.com. For example, a customer can renew his vehicle registration online over the holiday weekend and avoid a last-minute trip to DMV on Monday and a $5 in-person fee.