VSP urges public to stay safe during holiday weekend

RICHMOND, Va. (WDBJ) - Virginia State Police are warning the public to focus on the road, drive sober and buckle up during the 4th of July holiday weekend as preliminary data show there have been 337 deaths behind the wheel on commonwealth roads this year.

“Virginia roads are expected to be very crowded this upcoming weekend, with people heading out on vacations, or to parties, or to see fireworks,” said Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy the holiday, so please slow down, focus on the roads, drive sober, buckle up, and be patient so that everyone gets to their destination safely.”

To keep the roads safe, VSP will be joining other law enforcement around the country for the Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E), a state-sponsored, program intended to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries due to impaired driving, speeding and failing to wear a seat belt, said State Police.

State Police will increase patrols with a specific focus on July 3 and July 6, which are expected to be the busiest travel days, this is also the statistical period where police will keep track of data related to arrests, citations and fatalities.

During the 2024 five-day Operation CARE initiative for the July 4th holiday, Virginia troopers arrested 95 drivers for operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs and cited 4,044 speeders and 1,868 reckless drivers. Troopers issued 574 citations to individuals for failing to buckle up, and another 191 citations for children not being properly secured in a vehicle. Virginia troopers also cited 423 drivers for being in violation of Virginia’s “hands free” law.

State police investigated 1,027 total traffic crashes statewide and assisted 1,011 disabled/stranded motorists during the July 4th statistical counting period in 2024. There were 10 traffic fatalities.*

*2024 Virginia Traffic Crash Facts, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

Virginia State Police offer tips to stay safe during the holiday:

• State law requires everybody to wear a seatbelt.
• If you’re going to consume alcohol, arrange a ride with a sober friend, a rideshare, taxi or consider using public transit.
• If you’re hosting a party to provide non-alcoholic drink options and be sure no guests get behind the wheel while intoxicated.