RICHMOND — Virginia’s summer is off to an alarmingly tragic start, according to Virginia State Police, as State Troopers have investigated 21 traffic crashes resulting in 25 fatalities between Tuesday, May 28, and Tuesday, June 4.
Virginia State Police (VSP) said it is “insisting on drivers stepping up their commitment to driving within posted speed limits, buckling up, avoiding distractions, and driving sober and drug-free as they travel Virginia’s roads this summer.”
The crashes have occurred in all corners of the Commonwealth, including James City County and the cities of Newport News and Virginia Beach, according to VSP.
“Twenty-five traffic deaths in one week should be of very serious concern for every Virginian,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. “In order for this summer to be a safe one, we need Virginians to re-commit to safe driving habits. Driving smart, safe and sober must be everyone’s number one, and only, focus when behind the wheel.”
To help enhance motorcyclist safety, Virginia State Police is offering free Ride 2 Save Lives Motorcycle Assessment training around the Commonwealth, events, it said, that often fill up fast.
In addition, Virginia State Police and its “Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety” (YOVASO) program, are participating in the “100 Safest Days of Summer Campaign.”
The initiative emphasizes the critical role parents play in influencing teen driving behaviors.
The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is traditionally considered the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen driving with students out of school. Learn more about “100 Deadliest Days” and the importance of seatbelt usage in the recent WYDaily article, “Saving Lives One Seatbelt at a Time.”
