State police remind Virginia travelers to drive safely on Labor Day Weekend

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — With a major travel weekend ahead, Virginia State Police is hoping to see traffic deaths decline as the summer season closes out.

According to state police, Virginia has witnessed a deadly start of the summer, with police investigating 25 deaths from crashes that took place during the week after Memorial Day alone.

With the end of the season approaching, the preliminary numbers show that highway deaths are almost at the same pace now than they were in 2023. By Aug. of last year, there were 514 deaths and as of Aug. 2024 there were 504 so far in the year.

“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.”

In efforts to increase safety and decrease traffic deaths during the Labor Day holiday on Virginia highways, VSP will join other law enforcement for Operation Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.). Resulting in increased visibility of law enforcement on Aug. 30 through Sept. 2.

State police said during 2023 Labor Day holiday, VSP arrested 73 people for Driving While Intoxicated. In addition, troopers cited 4,475 speeders and 1,900 reckless drivers.

Also, there were 491 seatbelt violations and 150 child restraint violations. According to state police, there were 14 deaths that were investigated by law enforcement.

VSP would like to remind drivers of the “Move Over” law, which requires drivers to move over a lane or slow down when there is a car in the shoulder lane with flashing lights, flares or other emergency materials in use.

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