RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ Several groups, businesses and state leaders are kicking off efforts to prevent drunken driving this holiday season. Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Nationwide Insurance and AAA Mid-Atlantic will be joined Thursday by Attorney General Mark Herring and Virginia State Police Superintendent Col. Steven Flaherty to discuss the issue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 1,0 people were killed in drunken driving crashes nationwide between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve in 2012 _ the most recent year for national data. New Year’s Day is the deadliest day of the year for drunken driving on roadways. A total of 140 people were killed by drunken driving crashes during the holiday that year. Officials remind Virginians to have a designated driver if they’re planning to drink during the holiday season.
