Virginia State Police Launches Operation DISS-rupt on I-95, Soon I-66

In an ambitious move to enhance road safety, the Virginia State Police will execute Operation DISS-rupt on all 179 miles of Interstate 95 in Virginia on January 10 and 11, 2024. This significant traffic enforcement and educational safety initiative aims to combat Distracted driving, Impaired driving, Speed compliance, and Seat belt safety—key factors in road safety.

Preliminary data reveals a concerning statistic: 839 fatalities in traffic accidents on Virginia roadways in 2023. This alarming figure underscores the critical need for initiatives like Operation DISS-rupt. Lt. Col. Matt Hanley, director of the Virginia State Police Bureau of Field Operations, emphasizes the initiative’s goal: to encourage Virginians to return to basic traffic safety principles and disrupt dangerous behaviors that endanger motorists and pedestrians.

The operation is not without precedent. On October 19-20, 2023, a similar initiative on Interstate 64 resulted in significant law enforcement actions: 200 citations for reckless driving, 362 for speeding, 75 for violating the “Hands-Free” law, and 48 for seat belt violations. There were also five arrests for DUI/DUID. Impressively, no fatal traffic crashes occurred on I-64 during this period.

Operation DISS-rupt focuses on the four primary causes of fatal and serious injury crashes. Its ambitious goal is zero fatal crashes during enforcement periods and a 10% reduction in total interstate crashes for the year. The operation highlights critical areas:

• Ditch Distractions: Complying with Virginia’s “Hands-Free” law, which prohibits holding a personal communication device while driving.
• Never Drive Impaired: Emphasizing the dangers of alcohol and drug-impaired driving.
• Comply with Speed Limits: Adhering to Virginia’s interstate speed limits, which do not exceed 70 mph.
• Seat Belt Safety: Enforcing Virginia’s law requires front seat occupants and all passengers aged 18 and under to wear seat belts or be in a child safety seat.

State police will also engage directly with travelers at the Interstate 95 Rest Area in Fredericksburg to discuss safe driving habits. Looking ahead, Operation DISS-rupt will next target Interstate 66, continuing its mission to ensure safer Virginia roads.