This weekend marks the beginning of holiday celebrations and traveling to be with family and friends.

Virginia State Police wants you to be safe, so they're kicking off National Holiday Lifesaver Weekend through December 18.

It's an effort to raise awareness about how deadly drunk driving can be.

Police say the number of traffic deaths are on the rise.

Seven-hundred and 16 people have already been killed in crashes statewide, compared to 705 at this same time in 2010.

Last year in Virginia, over the four-day 2010 Christmas holiday weekend, 13 people died in traffic crashes.

In 2008, six people died.

“While the holiday season is a chance to enjoy time with your loves ones, it’s also an opportunity to remind every driver and passenger to make safety a priority. Make the right choice and drive drug and alcohol free. Take the time to buckle your seatbelt. Put down the cell phone and drive distraction free. Give those you love the best gift of all - staying alive throughout your drive,” said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Superintendent of the Virginia State Police.

Virginia State Police will also participate in Checkpoint Strikeforce during the remaining weeks of December through the first of January.

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