DMV News Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
DMV Offices Closed on the Fourth of July
Drivers Urged to Play it Safe This Summer
RICHMOND - All Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) customer service centers (CSCs) will be closed on Monday, July 4, 2011 in observance of Independence Day. CSCs will re-open for service on Tuesday, July 5.
Customers may conduct a variety of transactions during the Fourth of July holiday, and on any day, by using www.dmvNOW.com, DMV's automated telephone service at 1-888-337-4782 or the mail.
Although DMV offices will be closed, law enforcement will be out in full force during the holiday weekend, cracking down on impaired drivers. DMV's Virginia Highway Safety Office (VAHSO) reminds Virginians to designate a sober driver before the Fourth of July celebration begins.
"Being in jail, or worse, being injured and in the hospital, is not the way you want to spend the Fourth of July holiday," said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb, the Governor's Highway Safety Representative. "When you drive impaired, not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest can be significant."
Six people died in crashes on Virginia's roads during the three-day Fourth of July holiday in 2010, nine died in 2009, and 10 people died during the four-day holiday period in 2008.
"To prevent a tragedy from occurring this Fourth of July holiday, do not drive after drinking any alcohol, period," Holcomb said. "Even one drink can adversely affect a driver's reaction time and his or her ability to operate a motor vehicle. With the added traffic during the summer months, be sure to designate a sober driver before heading to your cook-out or Independence Day celebration."
In addition to designating a sober driver for the Fourth, the VAHSO reminds drivers to buckle up, allow plenty of travel time and to focus on the complex task of driving.
"Since Virginia is investing nearly $4 billion in its transportation network, funding more than 900 projects during the next three years, motorists will see record numbers of road improvement projects under way," Holcomb said. "When you see road construction this Fourth of July weekend and during the next few years, remember to drive alert and be patient. Virginia is doing its part for highway safety; please do yours."
