Seven Lives Lost on Virginia Roads During Thanksgiving Holiday

Seven people lost their lives in vehicle crashes across Virginia during the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday weekend, according to preliminary data from Virginia State Police. While this number is a decrease from the 11 fatalities reported in 2023 and a significant drop from 19 in 2022, the agency continues to stress the importance of seatbelt use.

Of the seven fatalities this year, only two victims were confirmed to have been wearing seatbelts. Among the crashes was a fatal off-road ATV accident in Warren County on Thanksgiving Day.

“Virginia State Police is pleased that we continue to see the number of fatalities decrease, although we want that number at zero,” said Lt. Col. Matt Hanley, Interim Superintendent of Virginia State Police. “However, we still are seeing too many people not buckling up when they are in a vehicle. It can save lives. Please wear a seatbelt and make this a safe rest of the holiday season.”

Crashes and Enforcement During the Holiday

The five-day statistical period for the holiday began at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 27. It ended at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 1. The seven fatal crashes occurred in Bath, Culpeper, Page, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Warren, and Wythe counties.

Virginia State Police also conducted Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort), an annual enforcement initiative to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities. During this time:

• 404 drivers were cited for not wearing seatbelts.
• 116 child restraint violations were recorded.
• 77 individuals were arrested for Driving Under the Influence, including one for DUI-Drugs.
• 3,638 speeding violations and 1,700 reckless driving citations were issued.

Troopers responded to 1,182 crashes statewide, 129 of which resulted in injuries.

Public Safety and Awareness

The troubling lack of seatbelt use remains a focal point for law enforcement, especially during high-travel holidays. Virginia State Police noted that funds collected from traffic summonses directly benefit the state’s Literary Fund, which supports public school initiatives like construction, technology upgrades, and teacher retirement.

As the holiday season continues, drivers are urged to prioritize safety by adhering to speed limits, avoiding impaired driving, and buckling up. These actions can save lives and reduce the heartbreak of preventable tragedies on Virginia roadways.