RICHMOND, VA – Six individuals perished in traffic incidents on Virginia highways during the July 4 holiday period this year. Preliminary reports show a pedestrian involved in a hit-and-run, four drivers, and one passenger among those deceased across Richmond and the counties of Bedford, Charles City, Henrico, and Wythe, with Bedford County recording two fatal accidents.
The Virginia State Police engaged in Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) to mitigate such tragedies. This national program, backed by the state, aims to curtail traffic incidents caused by impaired driving, excessive speed, and non-compliance with seat belt laws. The program covered a five-day period starting at 12:01 AM on Wednesday and ending at midnight on Sunday.
Colonel Gary T. Settle of the Virginia State Police highlighted ongoing concerns about high speeds and distracted driving. He noted two extreme speeding incidents, including one on I-495 where a driver was clocked at 137 mph in a 65 mph zone.
Throughout the holiday period, state troopers issued 4,044 speeding tickets, 1,868 citations for reckless driving, and arrested 95 individuals for DUI/DUID. Additionally, 574 seat belt and 191 child restraint citations were distributed, alongside 423 tickets for violations of the state’s “hands free” law.
Overall, state police responded to 1,027 traffic crashes and assisted 1,011 motorists during the counting period, reinforcing the need for heightened road safety awareness and adherence to traffic laws.