Drive Safe Hampton Roads Urges to Plan a Sober Ride Home During March Madness

Hampton Roads, VA. (March 2026)– If you’re out watching any of the college basketball games over the three-week tournament, know that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. On average, one alcohol impaired driving fatality occurred every 42 minutes in 2023; a total of 12,429 people died in drunk driving crashes. In Hampton Roads during March Madness 2025 (3/18-4/7), there were 129 alcohol-related crashes, resulting in 4 fatalities and 43 injuries. Interactive Public Report . Even low blood alcohol levels, such as .02, can impair judgment quickly.

If you’re going out to watch a game, consider these tips:

• Before driving, choose a sober friend as a designated driver.
• Schedule a ride sharing, ride hailing or taxi service.
• If you see a suspected impaired driver on the road, pull over somewhere safe and call law enforcement immediately.

If you’re hosting a party where alcohol is being served, be sure to offer non-alcoholic drink options and make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.

The cost of driving impaired can include jail time and will also set you back upwards of $10,000.00 in attorney fees, fines, court costs, lost work time, higher insurance rates, towing fees and more. Virginia is tough on drunk and drugged drivers. If convicted of a first-time offence, you will be fined and your driver’s license will be revoked for one year. Virginia is Tough on Drunk and Drugged Drivers

“March Madness is an exciting time to cheer on your favorite college basketball teams,” said Brian Hennessy, Chair of Drive Safe Hampton Roads’ Impaired Driving Prevention Committee. “Don’t bust your bracket with an impaired driving arrest. Plan ahead for a sober designated driver and get home safely. It’s just not worth the risk. Driving impaired is never an acceptable choice.”