State Police to ‘DISS-rupt’ Bad Driving on I-66 This Weekend

Virginia State Police will run a two-day enforcement and safety push on all 76 miles of Interstate 66 on Saturday–Sunday, Aug. 23–24, 2025. The effort, called Operation DISS-rupt, targets four behaviors tied to deadly crashes: Distracted driving, Impaired driving, Speeding, and Seat belt violations.

Troopers from the Fairfax and Culpepper divisions will step up patrols and outreach along the entire I-66 corridor. Drivers should expect to see more marked units, radar, and lidar speed checks, as well as reminders about the state’s hands-free law and the new seat belt requirement.

State Police say the goal is simple: zero fatal crashes during the operation. They also want to help reduce total interstate crashes by 10% this year. The push comes as preliminary data show 456 people have died on Virginia roads from Jan. 1 through Aug. 22, 2025. During the same stretch in 2023, 537 people were killed.

Police tested the same approach on I-66 earlier this year. During the Feb. 17–18 operation, troopers cited 14 drivers for reckless driving and 35 for speeding. There were no fatal crashes during that enforcement period, and no seat belt citations were issued.

What Operation DISS-rupt focuses on

• Ditch distractions. Virginia’s hands-free law bans holding a phone while driving. Calls and GPS are allowed only if the device is mounted and not in your hands. Texting, scrolling, or recording while driving can lead to a stop and a ticket.
• Never drive impaired. Alcohol and drugs slow reaction time and judgment. Even “buzzed” driving is impaired driving. Plan a sober ride, use transit, or a ride-hailing service.
• Comply with speed limits. Interstate speed limits in Virginia do not exceed 70 mph. Speed is a leading factor in deadly crashes; 410 people died in speed-related crashes in 2024, according to state data (Virginia DMV, Traffic Crash Facts).
• Seat belt safety — new law. As of July 1, all occupants in a vehicle must be buckled, no matter where they sit. The statewide change expands on the old rule, which covered minors and adults in the front seat.

What drivers can expect

Troopers will watch for lane weaving, following too closely, phone use at the wheel, unbuckled passengers, and high speeds. Enforcement will be visible on straightaways and near work zones, ramps, and interchanges where crashes are more common. Drivers may also see educational stops and social media reminders from the agency.

Why it matters

Interstate crashes are often severe because of high speeds and heavy traffic. A glance at a screen or missing a seat belt can be the difference between a close call and a tragedy. State Police say the weekend blitz is meant to change habits before the end of summer, when travel remains busy and schools are returning to session.

Quick safety tips

Leave extra time, put the phone out of reach, set GPS before you drive, slow down in rain or heavy traffic, and make sure everyone is buckled. If you see dangerous driving, keep your distance and, when safe, contact authorities.

Operation DISS-rupt on I-66 runs Aug. 23–24. State Police are asking all drivers to do their part so everyone gets home safe.