Oct. 19, 2020
Police
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA – Chesterfield County Police are urging motorists to slow down and buckle up to save lives.
Last year through Oct. 18, Chesterfield police responded to 13 fatal crashes, four of which involved pedestrians. Through the same date in 2020, police have responded to 18 fatal crashes, seven of which involved pedestrians who were struck and killed.
Speed, alcohol and seat belt use — all factors within the driver's control — continue to be leading causes of these deaths. Police continue to aggressively enforce impaired driving laws; through Oct. 9, 2020, police have made 862 DUI arrests, which is up from 788 DUI arrests made during the same time period in 2019.
"Most, if not all, of these fatal crashes were preventable," said Traffic Safety Section Sgt. Stephan Rouze. "Speeding is a choice. Driving drunk is a choice. Not wearing a seat belt is a choice. And all these choices can have fatal consequences. We are urging drivers to slow down, drive sober and ensure everyone in their vehicle is buckled up. These simple choices will save lives."