Virginia State Police Launch Operation DISS-rupt to Combat Dangerous Driving on I-66

This Super Bowl weekend, Virginia’s roads will see an intensified effort by the Virginia State Police (VSP) to make travel safer for everyone. Dubbed Operation DISS-rupt, this initiative will span all 76 miles of Interstate 66 in Virginia from February 10-12, aiming to clamp down on distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and seatbelt non-compliance. The operation comes in response to the alarming preliminary data indicating that 839 lives were lost on Virginia roadways in traffic crashes last year.

Lt. Col. Matt Hanley, director of the VSP Bureau of Field Operations, emphasizes the Super Bowl weekend as an opportune moment to address and curb risky driving behaviors. With increased patrols along the I-66 corridor, state troopers are dedicated to enhancing highway safety. The public is encouraged to contribute to these efforts by staying focused on the road and ensuring a sober driver is behind the wheel, particularly during Super Bowl festivities.

The necessity of such operations is underscored by the results of a similar initiative conducted on January 10-11, 2024, on Interstate 95. That operation led to numerous citations for reckless driving, speeding, hands-free law violations, and seatbelt infractions, notably without any fatal crashes occurring during the enforcement period.

Operation DISS-rupt zeroes in on the primary culprits of severe and fatal accidents on Virginia’s interstates, aiming for a lofty goal: zero fatal crashes during its enforcement and a 10% reduction in total crashes for the year. The operation highlights several key points for drivers: adhere to the “Hands-Free” law to avoid distractions, never drive under the influence, comply with speed limits, and always wear a seatbelt.

The urgency of these measures is further illustrated by the statistic from the previous Super Bowl Sunday, where 23 drivers were charged with Driving While Intoxicated statewide by VSP troopers.

With these concerted efforts, VSP hopes to not only ensure safer travel during one of the year’s busiest weekends but also foster a culture of responsibility and safety among Virginia’s driving community. The initiative is a call to action for all Virginians to prioritize safety behind the wheel, making the roads safer for everyone.