The Virginia State Police have a simple message during Labor Day Weekend: Buckle up, drive without distractions, obey speed limits and be sober behind the wheel.
Troopers will be out in greater numbers to crack down on these offenses and more from today through Monday. During Labor Day Weekend 2012, six people — none of whom were wearing seat belts — died in car accidents. Sixteen people died in traffic accidents over Labor Day Weekend in 2011.
“Wherever your vacation plans take you, the most important first step to beginning that road trip is to use a seatbelt,” State Police Superintendent Col. W. Steven Flaherty said in a news release. “Your best offense is to drive defensively. Make sure you, your family and friends get to your destination by paying attention to the road, obeying the speed limit and never driving impaired.”
State Police arrested 112 drunken drivers during Labor Day Weekend 2012. They cited 8,274 speeders, 2,464 reckless drivers, 719 adults who did not wear seat belts and 253 adults who failed to properly secure a child in a car seat. They investigated a total of 731 vehicle crashes across the state.
During the weekend, remember Virginia’s “Move Over” law, which requires drivers to change lanes when passing an emergency vehicle, a highway maintenance vehicle or a tow truck with flashing amber lights on the side of the road. The law requires drivers to use caution when passing those stopped vehicles if unable to switch lanes.
State Police offered the following safety tips in the release:
- Check tire pressure on all tires, including spares. To get an accurate reading, test tires that haven’t been driven on for three hours. Also look for any excessive or irregular wear.
- Inspect the hoses and belts in the car’s engine for any tears, cuts or blisters.
- Check to make sure all lights on the car are functioning properly.
- Look at the vehicle’s fluid levels, checking for leaks.
- Inspect wiper blades for any extreme wear or tears.
