HISTORIC TRIANGLE – If you’re planning to take Interstate 64 through the Historic Triangle next week, you may notice more Virginia State Police vehicles along the highway.
State police will increase patrols along I-64 Aug. 20-21 as part of a 48-hour traffic enforcement operation focused on distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding and seat belt use.
Operation DISS-RUPT will cover all 299 miles of I-64, from Covington to Hampton Roads.
The operation aims to prevent fatal crashes and reduce crashes overall. State police said they are working toward zero fatal crashes during the enforcement period and a 10% reduction in crashes for the year.
“Although we are seeing a decrease in fatalities across Virginia roadways, our mission to preserve life and protect the vulnerable continues,” said Capt. Brian Olha, commander of the Virginia State Police Chesapeake Field Division. “Virginians will see troopers along I-64 next week promoting safety through strategic presence.”
Virginia’s hands-free law prohibits drivers from holding personal communications devices while driving. Drivers can use GPS and make phone calls as long as the device is not in their hands. State law requires all occupants of motor vehicles to be restrained.
Speed-related crashes killed 342 people in Virginia in 2025, according to state police.
Preliminary data shows 433 people have died in crashes on Virginia roads as of Aug. 12, a 13% decrease from the 495 deaths recorded during the same period in 2025, according to state police.
Sixty-nine pedestrians have been struck and killed in Virginia this year, down 16% from the 82 pedestrian deaths recorded during the same period last year.
State police previously conducted Operation DISS-RUPT along I-64 on Feb. 5-6. During that operation, troopers issued 87 speeding citations, 57 reckless driving citations and six seat belt violations. There were no fatal crashes during the enforcement period.
State police said Operation DISS-RUPT will continue on a rotating basis along interstates 64, 95, 81 and 66.
