RICHMOND, VA — Eleven people were killed in nine separate traffic crashes across Virginia during the four-day Fourth of July holiday period, according to preliminary data released by Virginia State Police.
The statistical period ran from July 3 to July 6. Among the fatal incidents were two double-fatality crashes: one involving an all-terrain vehicle in Orange County on July 4, and a wrong-way head-on collision on the Express Lanes of Interstate 495 in Fairfax County on Sunday.
Other fatal crashes occurred in Amelia, Buckingham, Clarke, Henrico, King William, Prince Edward, and Spotsylvania counties. One of the incidents included a pedestrian struck and killed in Buckingham County on July 4.
The number of fatalities this year exceeds last year’s five-day holiday period, which recorded ten traffic deaths.
“Even one fatality is one too many, but 11 deaths are extremely alarming,” said Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police.
As part of Operation CARE (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort), troopers issued 2,959 speeding citations and 1,411 reckless driving citations during the holiday period. They also arrested 73 drivers for driving under the influence and issued 505 seatbelt citations, following a new Virginia law requiring all vehicle occupants to be belted.
Additionally, 135 citations were issued for child restraint violations. Troopers responded to 879 total crashes statewide and assisted 701 stranded motorists.
Funds from traffic summonses support Virginia’s Literary Fund, which finances public school construction, technology, and teacher retirement programs.
