The Franklin News-Post
P. O. Box 250
310 Main Street, SW
Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151
540-483-5113
Fax: 540-483-8013
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Monday, July 9, 2012
With Virginians seeking out ways to keep cool in the extreme heat during the summer months, drivers are reminded to play it safe both on the waterways and highways across the Commonwealth.
To reinforce this critical safety message, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) and Virginia State Police (VSP) are launching a new, joint public service effort to remind residents of the deadly and illegal consequences of boating under the influence (BUI) and driving under the influence (DUI).
"This public service effort reminds people of the importance of being safe while having fun on the water. Boating under the influence is not only dangerous to watercraft operators, but endangers everyone who enjoys Virginia's waterways," according to VDGIF Chief of Law Enforcement, Col. Dee Watts.
Nationwide, recreational boating is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities, and Virginia is no exception. The number of registered boats in the commonwealth exceeds 250,000, and Virginia is a prime boating destination for out-of-state visitors. This figure does not include kayaks, canoes or non-motorized sailboats. In 2011, 57 percent of boating fatalities nationwide involved alcohol. To learn more about boating laws and boating education in Virginia, visit the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website at www.dgif.virginia.gov.
"Virginia's law enforcement have zero tolerance for drunk and drugged drivers because it's their actions that cost lives on our roads and waterways," said Col. W. Steven Flaherty, VSP superintendent. "No matter what you drive - a passenger car, pickup, motorcycle, or boat - if you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested." |
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