Virginia partnering with 15 East Coast states for annual “I-95 Drive to Save Lives”

Virginia will be among 15 states, from Maine to Florida, to once again participate in a two-day “Drive to Save Lives” traffic safety initiative along the entire Interstate 95 corridor. On Friday and Saturday, April 8-9, 2022, Virginia State Police will be dedicating additional patrol resources to I-95 traffic safety enforcement. Motorists can expect to see an increased presence of troopers along Virginia’s entire 178 miles of I-95, from the border of North Carolina to Maryland. This year’s initiative also coincides with Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

“With April being Distracted Driving Awareness Month and traffic crashes in Virginia on the rise, this enhanced, multi-agency enforcement initiative along the East Coast couldn’t come at a better time,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of the Virginia State Police. “This time of year people are on the road for Spring Break, vacations and outdoor adventuring. Keeping your eyes on the road, buckling up, complying with posted speed limits and never driving intoxicated, will help ensure your spring travels are safe – no matter what state you may be traveling I-95.”

The “I-95 Drive to Save Lives” traffic safety and enforcement campaign includes the Florida Highway Patrol, North Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Georgia Highway Patrol, Virginia State Police, Maryland State Police, Delaware State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, New Jersey State Police, New York State Police, Connecticut State Police, Rhode Island State Police, New Hampshire State Police, Massachusetts State Police and Maine State Police.

In 2021, Virginia experienced 5,350 traffic crashes along I-95, which include everything from a minor fender-bender to the loss of life.

In addition to complying with traffic laws, drivers are reminded that as of January 1, 2021, it became illegal to hold a handheld personal communications device while driving a moving motor vehicle on Virginia highways.

With increased patrols, State Police also remind drivers of Virginia’s “Move Over” law, which requires motorists to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle stopped alongside the road. If unable to move over, then drivers are required to cautiously pass the emergency vehicle. The law also applies to workers in vehicles equipped with amber lights.