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For the third consecutive year, the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities has decreased in Virginia. A total of 322 individuals died in DUI-related crashes in 2005. That's down six-percent from the previous year and 14 percent over the past three years. These figures are contained in the 2005 Virginia Traffic Crash Facts report. The document is the result of cooperative efforts of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Virginia Department of State Police (VSP), and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). Additionally, fatalities and injuries resulting from teen alcohol-related crashes both saw double digit decreases in the past year. Thirty-two individuals died as a result of a teen alcohol-related crash in 2005 compared to 42 the year before. Injuries dropped from 903 to 809. New legislation over the past several years makes Virginia home to some of the toughest DUI laws in the country. Increased DUI checkpoints, higher fines and mandatory jail terms have helped heighten awareness of drunk-driving enforcement in the Commonwealth.
