ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, January 7, 1996 TAG: 9601090023
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: RICHMOND
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
Alcohol was a factor in about one-fifth of the 822 fatal automobile crashes last year, according to early state figures.
Drunken driving played a role in 169 of the crashes, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles. In another 192 crashes, it was not known if alcohol was a factor, the DMV reported. In all, the wrecks killed 896 people.
There were four fewer fatal crashes than in 1994, and there were nine fewer alcohol-related crashes.
Since 1985, the number of auto fatalities has fluctuated from as many as 1,118 in 1986 to a low of 839 in 1992.
A total of 22 people died in Virginia during the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Over the New Year's holiday, 14 people died in 13 crashes. The count was from 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, through midnight Jan. 1.
The number of deaths for both Christmas and the New Year's holidays was down by six from 1994.
According to the state police, the victims over the New Year's weekend ranged in age from 14 to 69 and included eight drivers, five passengers and one pedestrian. Ten of the victims were not wearing safety belts. Alcohol was known to be a factor in four of the crashes.
``In making New Year's resolutions, I hope drivers will resolve to drive safely and courteously during 1996,'' said Col. M. Wayne Huggins, state police superintendent.
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines KEYWORDS: FATALITYby CNB