Celebrate Independence Day Responsibly: Virginia State Police urges citizens to drive safely this long July 4th weekend

As the Fourth of July weekend fast approaches, with many Virginians gearing up for a long weekend of celebrations, Virginia State Police urges the public to add one critical component to their holiday plans: safe, responsible, and sober driving.

According to Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent, preliminary data from the first six months of 2023 show a grim picture, with traffic crashes across the Commonwealth claiming approximately 400 lives. “Virginia is averaging roughly two traffic deaths every day, and that’s unacceptable. Let’s make this extended July 4th holiday weekend Virginia’s safest ever and drive to save lives,” Settle said.

In the light of these alarming statistics, and considering the fact that ten lives were lost on Virginia’s highways during the 2022 July 4th weekend, and a dozen during the same period in 2021, there’s a pressing need for citizens to exercise due caution.

To combat the issue of drunk driving, Virginia State Police encourages those planning to drink alcohol at July 4 celebrations to arrange for a designated driver, use a rideshare service, taxi, or public transportation. They also urge party hosts to provide non-alcoholic beverages and help prevent guests from drinking and driving home.

Furthering its efforts to reduce traffic fatalities, Virginia State Police is set to ramp up patrols starting from 12:01 a.m. Monday, July 3, 2023, until midnight Tuesday, July 4, 2023, under the Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.). This initiative, sponsored at the state level and recognized nationally, is aimed at reducing crashes, fatalities, and injuries caused by impaired driving, speeding, and failure to use seat belts.

The 2022 edition of the Operation C.A.R.E initiative saw Virginia troopers arrest 69 drivers for DUI, cite 4,262 speeders and 1,585 reckless drivers, issue 429 citations for seatbelt violations, 131 for failing to secure children in vehicles properly, and 165 for violating the state’s hands-free law.

As Independence Day beckons, the spotlight is on everyone to make this July 4th weekend the safest ever. Changes have also been made to Virginia’s “Move Over” law, effective from July 1, 2023, extending protection to any stationary vehicle displaying hazard lights, warning signs, or flares. Virginians are urged to change lanes and proceed with caution when passing any of these vehicles, in addition to emergency and law enforcement vehicles displaying flashing lights. Remember, the key to a great holiday is a safe one.