Virginia State Police join national effort to cut down on crashes and fatalities

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia State Police (VSP) will be joining other law enforcement agencies around the country for the Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E).

C.A.R.E is a national program aimed at the reduction crashes, fatalities and injuries due to impaired driving, speeding and failing to wear a seat belt.

“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.”

According to VSP, the summer driving season got off to a deadly start with state police alone investigating 25 deaths in the week following Memorial Day.

State police also want to remind drivers of Virginia’s “Move Over” law which requires drivers to either move over a lane, or slow down, when there is a vehicle on the shoulder with flashing lights, flares, or other emergency equipment in use.

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