STATEWIDE — As locals and visitors gather in the Historic Triangle to celebrate July Fourth weekend, Virginia State Police (VSP) remind everyone to stay safe.
“Summer days are filled with celebrations, vacations, outdoor festivals, and backyard cookouts, but no matter where your plans take you, please make safety your priority,” said Virginia State Police Superintendent Colonel Gary T. Settle. “With fatal traffic crashes on pace this year to mimic last year’s record number, I urge all Virginians to buckle up, eliminate distractions and never drive buzzed, drunk, or under the influence. Together we can make this Independence Day the safest on record!”
VSP recommends to those who may be drinking this weekend to arrange a designated driver, use a rideshare service, or utilize public transportation to be certain people get home safely.
According to a VSP news release, Virginia State Police will increase patrols from 12:01 a.m. Friday (July 1) through midnight Monday (July 4) as part of the Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.).
Operation C.A.R.E. is a state-sponsored, national program intended to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities on the highway due to impaired driving, speed, and failing to wear a seat belt.
According to VSP, there were over the four days of last year’s Independence Day Operation C.A.R.E. initiative, there were 12 traffic deaths on Virginia highways. Virginia troopers arrested 61 drivers operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, cited 4,025 speeders and 1,434 reckless drivers, and issued 510 citations to individuals for failing to buckle up.
For more information and updates from Virginia State Police, check out VSP’s official website.
