DMV News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Conduct Business Online During Thanksgiving Office Closings
Drivers Urged to Avoid Distractions and Get Rest Before Traveling

RICHMOND - All Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) customer service centers will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday from Thursday, November 22 through Saturday, November 24, 2012, and reopen on Monday, November 26.

DMV customers can avoid service delays after the holiday closure by using DMV’s preferred service options, including DMV''''s website, automated telephone service (1-888-337-4782) and the mail. Through www.dmvNOW.com, customers can complete more than 30 different transactions without visiting an office.

In addition, three DMV Select locations will be open on Friday, November 23 including:

• The Berryville DMV Select inside Trips Auto Sales at 6103 Lord Fairfax Highway from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Lovingston DMV Select inside Piney Mountain Vinyl Siding at 236 Cooperative Way in Arrington from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• The Purcellville DMV Select at 109 N. Bailey Lane from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Customers can conduct most vehicle-related transactions at DMV Selects including obtaining decals and titles. Selects do not conduct driver’s license, learner’s permits or ID card transactions. For a full list of DMV Select transactions, visit www.dmvNOW.com.

DMV urges drivers to be extra cautious during the Thanksgiving holiday due to higher traffic volumes and an increased number of out-of-state visitors to Virginia. "More vehicles on the roads, combined with distractions and the fatigue people often experience during the rush of the holidays, increase the potential for crashes," said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb, the Governor''''s Highway Safety Representative. "To lessen your risk, always pay attention behind the wheel, and get enough sleep before driving."

Sleep deprivation and fatigue can result in decreased awareness, lapses in attention and even impaired judgment. "Instead of staying up late the night before to pack, clean out the refrigerator and load the car, get your packing and loading done early the day before your trip," Holcomb recommended. "Get a good night’s rest and set out on the road when you are feeling fresh."

11 people died on Virginia''''s roads during the five-day Thanksgiving holiday last year. 10 people died in 2010, 16 people died in 2009, 12 people died in 2008 and 19 people were killed in traffic crashes during the five-day Thanksgiving holiday in 2007.

Normally, the busiest travel days during the Thanksgiving holiday are Wednesday and Thursday. To avoid increased traffic, drivers can travel on Tuesday, Friday or Saturday. Motorists are also encouraged to do most of their driving during daylight hours when visibility is best.

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