VSP to activate Operation C.A.R.E, increase patrol over Labor Day weekend

RICHMOND, Va. ( DC News Now ) — As the summer season comes to an end and Labor Day approaches, Virginia State Police (VSP) is encouraging travelers to drive safely.

According to VSP, preliminary numbers show that traffic-related deaths are almost at the same pace in 2024 as they were in 2023. This comes as Virginia had a deadly start to the summer driving season, with state police investigating 25 deadly crashes the week after Memorial Day.

“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.”

VSP said Aug. 30 and Sept. 2 are expected to be the heaviest travel days.

To reduce deadly crashes on highways across the Commonwealth during the Labor Day holiday, VSP is activating its Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E) on Friday, Aug. 30, at 12:01 a.m.

The national program aims to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries related to impaired driving, speeding and failing to wear a seatbelt.

During the 2023 Labor Day weekend, troopers arrested 73 people for intoxicated driving and cited 4,475 speeders and over 1,900 reckless drivers. VSP said there were 491 seat belt violation citations and 150 child restraint violations.

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