Virginia state police - photo by virginia state police 2023 — Virginia State Police - Photo by Virginia State Police 2023

RICHMOND, Va. — Seven people died in seven separate crashes on Virginia roads over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, according to preliminary data released by Virginia State Police on Tuesday.

The fatalities occurred between Friday and Monday in Bedford, Buckingham, Caroline, Fauquier, and Spotsylvania counties, as well as in the cities of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. The number marks a decrease from 13 deaths reported during the 2024 holiday weekend.

Among the crashes was a hit-and-run in Bedford County involving a bicyclist and another vehicle on Saturday afternoon. That incident remains under investigation. Another fatality occurred on Interstate 95 in Spotsylvania County and involved a motorcycle.

While the number of holiday fatalities dropped, state police cautioned drivers not to become complacent. In the week following Memorial Day in 2024, Virginia State Police investigated 25 additional fatal crashes.

“Our goal remains to see a holiday weekend where there are no fatal crashes,” said Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police.

Enforcement and violations

As part of Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort), Virginia State Police deployed all available personnel during the extended weekend. Troopers issued more than 3,300 speeding citations and over 1,500 reckless driving citations.

There were 71 arrests for driving under the influence. Additionally, 405 drivers were cited for violating Virginia’s hands-free phone law.

In connection with the nationwide Click It or Ticket campaign, troopers issued 506 seatbelt citations and 122 child restraint violations during the holiday period.

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