April 17, 2013

VCU Police, Partners Will Hold an Administrative Checkpoint This Weekend

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By Michael Kelly

Virginia Commonwealth University Police will check for a variety of safety issues during a safety checkpoint this weekend.

VCU Police will operate a checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, April 19, along the 700 block of West Franklin Street. Officers will check operator licenses and vehicle registrations and review seatbelt compliance and other safety issues. Because April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, officers will distribute pamphlets to drivers on the dangers of distracted driving and ways to reduce distractions behind the wheel. VCU Police also will park their new Win or Lose Cruiser at the checkpoint and any drunken or drug-impaired drivers will be arrested.

The checkpoint is supported by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Highway Safety Office. Vehicles will be screened by officers from the VCU Police Department, the City of Richmond Police Department and the Virginia State Police. Agents from the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control have been invited to participate.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2010, 3,092 people were killed and an estimated 416,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver. Common distractions include texting, using a cell phone or smartphone, eating and drinking, or adjusting a radio, CD player or MP3 player. Because text messaging requires visual, manual and cognitive attention from the driver, the NHTSA considers it the most alarming distraction. Texting while driving creates a crash risk 23 times higher than driving while not distracted.

The VCU Police Department joins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other agencies in calling on all drivers, regardless of age or experience, to avoid distractions and stay sober when behind the wheel.

 

Editor’s Note: A staging area will be established for media and other official observers. VCU Police Captain Mike O’Berry will be available for interviews. Reporters interested in receiving results from the checkpoint should provide contact information to police at the scene.