VCU news

By Mike Porter

Virginia Commonwealth University Police will target drunken and drug-impaired drivers at an overnight checkpoint this weekend.

VCU Police will operate a sobriety checkpoint from 11 p.m. on Friday, July 16, until 3 a.m. on Saturday, July 17. The checkpoint will take place along the 700 block of West Main Street. Officers also will check for seatbelt compliance and other traffic safety issues.

The checkpoint is being funded through a Virginia Highway Safety Grant from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Vehicles will be screened by officers from the VCU Police Department, the City of Richmond Police Department and Virginia State Police.

According to statistics compiled by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, 316 people were killed in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in Virginia in 2009, down from 354 in 2008. And 6,256 people were injured in alcohol-related crashes in Virginia in 2009, down from 7,000 in 2008. The statistics also show 31,434 people were convicted for driving under the influence in Virginia in 2009.

Editor’s Note: A staging area will be established at the checkpoint for media and other official observers. VCU Police Chief John Venuti is coordinator for this checkpoint and will be available at the location one hour before the checkpoint begins.