Virginia State Police Urge Drivers to Buckle Up and Stay Safe This Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving marking the beginning of the holiday travel season, the Virginia State Police (VSP) are urging drivers to prioritize safety on the roads. Last year, 11 people lost their lives in traffic crashes during Thanksgiving week, with half of those fatalities involving individuals not wearing seat belts.

“Taking a few seconds to buckle up can save your life,” emphasized Lt. Col. Matt Hanley, Interim Superintendent of the VSP. “This holiday, we’re asking everyone to wear a seat belt, obey speed limits, drive sober, and stay distraction-free. Together, we can make the roads safer for everyone.”

Campaigns Targeting Holiday Risks

To prevent accidents and save lives, the VSP is ramping up efforts as part of several traffic safety initiatives. These include the nationwide “Click It or Ticket” campaign and Mother’s Against Drunk Driving’s (MADD) holiday DUI-prevention efforts. Both programs aim to educate the public and enforce laws around seat belt use and impaired driving.

As part of Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort), state troopers will increase patrols during the Thanksgiving travel period, from 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1. Troopers will focus on speeding, reckless driving, seat belt compliance, and impaired driving.

Sobering Statistics from 2023

Last year’s Thanksgiving traffic enforcement efforts led to over 6,780 citations across Virginia. This included:

• 4,520 drivers were ticketed for speeding.
• 1,840 for reckless driving.
• 427 citations for failing to wear a seat belt.
• 89 arrests for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Despite these efforts, 11 lives were lost on Virginia’s roads during the Thanksgiving holiday, though this was a decrease from 19 fatalities in 2022.

A Yearlong Challenge

Preliminary data shows that Virginia has already recorded 745 traffic fatalities in 2024 as of mid-November, compared to 752 by the same time last year. While the numbers are slightly lower, the VSP stresses the need for continued vigilance.

“Each number represents a life lost and a family forever changed,” Hanley said. “Let’s work together to make this a season of joy, not tragedy.”

Tips for a Safe Holiday

• Buckle Up: Seat belts significantly reduce the risk of fatal injury in crashes.
• Drive Sober: Avoid alcohol and drugs before getting behind the wheel.
• Slow Down: Observe speed limits, especially in heavy holiday traffic.
• Stay Focused: Keep distractions, like texting, to a minimum.

The VSP encourages drivers to help make this Thanksgiving safer for everyone on Virginia’s roads.