10 Killed on Virginia Roads During Labor Day Holiday Weekend

Ten people died in eight crashes on Virginia roads over the Labor Day holiday, including three pedestrians, according to Virginia State Police.

The death toll matched the 10 traffic fatalities reported over the Labor Day holiday in 2025.

Three of this year’s fatalities were pedestrians. One pedestrian was killed in Emporia, while two others were killed along Interstate 395 — one in Fairfax and another in Alexandria.

Three people also died in a single-vehicle crash Sunday, Sept. 6, on Interstate 66 in Fairfax County.

The other fatal crashes occurred in Isle of Wight, New Kent, Lancaster and Rockbridge counties. In all, Fairfax County recorded two fatal crashes that claimed four lives. Fatal crashes also occurred in the cities of Alexandria and Emporia.

Virginia State Police officials are using the holiday numbers to remind both drivers and pedestrians that roadway safety requires everyone to pay attention.

“Drivers need to make sure they avoid distractions and are aware of their surroundings at all times,” said Lt. Col. Todd Taylor, director of the Virginia State Police Bureau of Field Operations.

Taylor said pedestrians also need to consider how easily drivers can see them, especially in areas where traffic moves quickly.

“Our highway workers wear bright colored, reflective clothing so they are more visible to motorists,” Taylor said. “Pedestrians need to consider how visible they are to motorists too and always cross roadways at crosswalks.”

He also reminded pedestrians that walking along or attempting to cross an interstate is illegal because of the danger involved.

State Police increased enforcement during the holiday as part of Operation C.A.R.E., or Crash Awareness Reduction Effort, a nationwide traffic safety initiative.

All available Virginia State Police troopers and supervisors patrolled during the holiday weekend, with additional emphasis on Friday, Sept. 4, and Monday, Sept. 7, expected to be the two busiest travel days.

During the holiday statistical counting period, troopers cited 2,823 drivers for speeding and another 1,571 for reckless driving.

Troopers also charged 74 people with driving under the influence, including five accused of driving under the influence of drugs.

Seat belt and child restraint violations were another enforcement focus. State Police reported issuing citations for 514 seat belt violations and 94 child restraint violations.

Troopers responded to 848 crashes during the holiday counting period.

The enforcement numbers offer a wider look at the behavior State Police encountered during one of the year’s busy travel weekends. Speeding, reckless driving, impaired driving, failure to use restraints and distraction are among the behaviors authorities regularly urge motorists to avoid.

This year’s fatalities also brought particular attention to pedestrian safety because three of the 10 people killed were on foot.

State Police are asking motorists to remain alert for people near roadways and reminding pedestrians to use designated crossings and make themselves as visible as possible to approaching traffic.

Money collected from summonses issued by Virginia State Police does not go to the agency. According to State Police, those funds go toward court fees and Virginia’s Literary Fund, which supports public school construction, technology funding, and teacher retirement.

The 2025 comparison is based on Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles traffic crash data.