Many Virginians across the state will enjoy a day off for Labor Day Monday, but Virginia State Police will be working overtime to make sure residents survive the weekend.
Police are doubling down on roving and stationary patrols this Labor Day weekend, according to a Virginia State Police news release.
State police will also join local law enforcement at drug and alcohol checkpoints, the release said.
Over one million Virginians are expected to travel this holiday weekend, according to a news release from the office of Gov. Terry McAuliffe.
“While I want every Virginian to enjoy their Labor Day weekend, they must do so without endangering themselves or other travelers on our roads,” McAuliffe said in the release.
In the seven days leading up to the holiday weekend, 15 people died in traffic-related crashes in the state, the release said. Victims included a 9-year-old bicyclist, drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
So far, 2017 is also one of Virginia’s deadliest years for traffic fatalities. As of Friday, there were 529 reported traffic deaths in the state.
By Sept. 1, 2016, only 477 deaths were reported, the release said.
“The fact that we have lost 50 more lives in traffic crashes this year than in 2016 should be of major concern for all Virginians, especially as we head into the heavily-traveled Labor Day weekend,” said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police superintendent. “State police will have all available troopers out on patrol for the extended holiday weekend, but we need every driver and passenger committed to also doing their part to make their travels as safe as possible.”
The increased police presence on the roads is a part of Operation Combined Accident Reduction Effort program, a nationwide, state-sponsored safety program, the release said. The program will run from Sept. 1-4.
Last year, there were only eight traffic-related deaths over Labor Day weekend, compared with 2015’s 16 fatalities, the release said. State troopers also stopped 8,676 speeding drivers and 2,772 reckless drivers, and cited 739 safety belt violations and 210 child safety seat violations.
Police will also be on the lookout for drivers operating under the influence with sobriety checkpoints throughout the state.
In 2016, state police made 101 driving under the influence arrests over Labor Day weekend, the release said.
“Saving a life happens when you buckle up, don’t drive distracted, share the road, and be responsible by never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” Flaherty said.
