Five fatalities reported in Virginia highways traffic crashes over July 4 holiday

Preliminary data released has revealed that five individuals tragically lost their lives in four separate traffic accidents on Virginia’s highways during the 48-hour statistical counting period of the July 4, 2023, holiday.

Of the casualties, one was a motorcyclist, two were drivers, and the remaining two were passengers. These fatal accidents occurred in Arlington, Buchanan, Charles City, and Craig counties. This marks a decrease from the previous year’s four-day count during the same holiday, which recorded a grim total of ten fatalities.

In an effort to increase safety and decrease the number of accidents on Virginia’s highways during the holiday season, State Police participated in Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.). This state-sponsored national program aims to reduce crashes, fatalities, and injuries due to impaired driving, speeding, and failure to wear seat belts.

Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent, urged all Virginians to prioritize traffic safety as we enter the peak summer travel season. “Excessive speeding, drivers, and passengers failing to buckle up, and distracted driving continue to put all at risk traveling on our highways,” Settle said. “Our state troopers cannot be everywhere all the time. We need Virginians to comply with speed limits, buckle up and put the phone down. That’s how we save lives on our highways.”

During the two-day Operation CARE initiative, Virginia troopers arrested 36 drivers for operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They also issued citations to 2,051 speeders, 980 reckless drivers, 254 individuals for not wearing seat belts, and 74 citations for children not being properly secured in vehicles. An additional 124 drivers were cited for violating Virginia’s “hands-free” law.

State police investigated a total of 377 traffic accidents statewide and assisted 392 disabled or stranded motorists during this period.

The funds generated from the summonses issued by Virginia State Police will be allocated to court fees and the state’s Literary Fund, which supports public school construction, technology funding, and teacher retirement.