With the final big travel weekend of summer just around the corner, Virginia State Police are making a push to ensure that the season ends on a safer note. As Labor Day approaches, the department is urging drivers to adopt smart and safe driving behaviors to prevent traffic fatalities, which have remained troublingly high throughout the summer.
The summer season began on a grim note, with Virginia State Police investigating 25 deaths in the week following Memorial Day alone. As of mid-August, preliminary figures show that highway fatalities for 2024 are nearly on par with 2023, with 504 deaths recorded so far this year compared to 514 at the same time last 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.”
Operation C.A.R.E. to Target High-Risk Behaviors
To combat the ongoing issue, Virginia State Police will participate in the Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) during the Labor Day weekend. This national initiative, supported by state law enforcement agencies across the country, aims to reduce crashes, fatalities, and injuries by focusing on impaired driving, speeding, and seat belt enforcement.
The Operation C.A.R.E. effort will kick off at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024, and run through midnight on Monday, September 2, 2024. State Police will increase their visibility and staffing, especially on August 30 and September 2, as these are anticipated to be the busiest travel days of the holiday weekend.
Last Year’s Statistics Serve as a Stark Reminder
The statistics from last year’s Labor Day weekend highlight the importance of these enforcement efforts. In 2023, Virginia State Police arrested 73 individuals for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Additionally, they issued over 4,475 speeding citations, cited more than 1,900 reckless drivers, and handed out 491 seat belt violation citations along with 150 child restraint violations. Despite these efforts, 14 people lost their lives on Virginia’s roads during the Labor Day weekend in 2023.
Reminder: Virginia’s “Move Over” Law
As part of their safety campaign, Virginia State Police are also reminding drivers about the state’s “Move Over” law. This law requires drivers to either move over a lane or slow down when approaching a vehicle on the shoulder that has flashing lights, flares, or other emergency equipment in use. This simple act can prevent further accidents and protect the lives of emergency responders and others on the road.
With the Labor Day holiday marking the unofficial end of summer, Virginia State Police are calling on all drivers to do their part in making the roads safer. By adopting safe driving habits and adhering to traffic laws, Virginians can help ensure that this year’s travel season ends on a positive note.
