Virginia State Police Aims to Lower Traffic Fatalities as Summer Ends

With the final big travel weekend of summer just around the corner, the Virginia State Police is urging all drivers to practice safe driving habits to ensure everyone reaches their destination safely. This call to action comes after a deadly start to the summer season in Virginia, with state police investigating 25 fatalities in the week following Memorial Day. As summer comes to a close, preliminary data reveals that highway fatalities in 2024 are nearly on par with those in 2023, with 504 deaths reported so far this year compared to 514 last year as of August 15.

“There is no better time than now for Virginians to adopt and practice smart and safe driving behaviors,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. “Let’s end the year strong by slowing down, avoiding distractions, wearing our seatbelts, and driving sober.”

To boost safety and reduce traffic fatalities on Virginia’s highways during the Labor Day holiday, the Virginia State Police will join law enforcement agencies nationwide for the Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E). This state-sponsored national initiative aims to lower crashes, fatalities, and injuries caused by impaired driving, speeding, and failure to wear a seat belt. The Labor Day statistical counting period will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024, and end at midnight on Monday, September 2, 2024. There will be increased visibility and staffing on August 30 and September 2, as these are expected to be the busiest travel days.

Past Enforcement Results

During the 2023 Labor Day weekend, Virginia State Police officers were busy, arresting 73 people for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Additionally, troopers cited 4,475 speeders and over 1,900 reckless drivers. There were also 491 citations for seat belt violations and 150 for child restraint violations. Tragically, law enforcement investigated 14 fatalities over that weekend.

Virginia State Police hope to improve these statistics this year with heightened enforcement and public awareness campaigns. The Operation C.A.R.E initiative and the planned increased patrols aim to remind drivers to make safe choices behind the wheel.

Reminder on Virginia’s “Move Over” Law

Virginia State Police also remind drivers about the state’s “Move Over” law. This law requires motorists to either move over a lane or slow down when approaching a vehicle with flashing lights, flares, or other emergency equipment on the shoulder. This is designed to protect emergency workers and those who have pulled over due to a breakdown or accident.

As summer winds down, Virginia’s law enforcement agencies want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday. With increased awareness and enforcement, they hope to end the summer season on a safer note.