State News
Virginia State Police Urge Safe Driving During Holiday Season
With the holidays upon us and 2025 just around the corner, Virginia State Police are urging all travelers in the Commonwealth to prioritize safety on the roads. The goal: ensure every journey ends with loved ones safely together.
As of Dec. 20, preliminary data indicates 810 lives have been lost on Virginia roadways in 2024—12 fewer fatalities than this time last year. While the decrease is encouraging, the season brings increased risks, and state police want to continue the downward trend.
“During Thanksgiving, it appears Virginians heeded our message, and we saw a decrease in fatalities,” said Lt. Col. Matt Hanley, Interim Superintendent of Virginia State Police. “We’d like this trend to continue and hopefully have a holiday season with zero fatalities on our roads.”
Tips for Safe Travel
Virginia State Police emphasize these key safety practices:
- Avoid distractions: Keep your focus on the road and avoid using your phone.
- Follow speed limits: Slowing down can be the difference between a close call and a tragedy.
- Buckle up: Seatbelts save lives. In 2023, 335 people who weren’t wearing seatbelts died in crashes.
- Drive sober: Alcohol-related crashes claimed 293 lives in Virginia last year, a nearly 7% increase from 2022.
Plan Ahead for Parties
With holiday parties in full swing, Virginia State Police offer these tips for getting home safely:
- Designate a sober driver or use a ride service like a cab, rideshare app, or public transportation.
- Help others make safe choices: If you know someone has been drinking, don’t let them drive. Arrange a safe ride home.
- Report impaired drivers: Call #77 (hands-free) or have a passenger notify the nearest Virginia State Police Emergency Communications Center.
Ongoing Campaigns
Virginia State Police’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is in full force this holiday season. Through targeted enforcement and public awareness, law enforcement aims to reduce the risk of impaired driving.
“Your decisions behind the wheel could save your life or someone else’s,” Hanley said.
As you travel this holiday season, remember that staying alert and responsible can make the difference between a holiday filled with joy and one marked by tragedy.
For more information about safe driving tips and initiatives, visit the Virginia State Police website.
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