News

September 2, 2009
Virginia State Police Remind Motorists To Slow Down, Be Cautious And Drive Sober This Labor Day Weekend

RICHMOND – As the summer driving season nears an end, Virginia State Police is reminding motorists to continue to make safe driving choices when they get behind the wheel to travel or to visit family and friends during Labor Day. The Commonwealth experienced a significant decline in traffic fatalities during the 2008 Labor Day holiday. Seven individuals died in seven traffic crashes, which was Virginia’s lowest Labor Day fatality count since 2001. This year, the four-day statistical counting period begins Friday, Sept. 4, 2009 at 12:01 a.m. until midnight Monday, Sept. 7, 2009. 

“While Virginia continues to experience a drop in traffic crashes this year as we did last year, all drivers must remain vigilant in their efforts to make safety a priority on the road,” said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “Motorists should not become complacent rather they should remain alert, limit distractions on the road, and buckle up. Virginia State Police takes a zero tolerance when it comes to drunk drivers. So remember, if you’re going out, we’ll be out too – looking for and arresting impaired drivers.”

On Wednesday, Virginia State Police joined other state and local law enforcement to launch the annual Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign. The five-month, statewide initiative combines enforcement and education efforts to raise public awareness of drunk driving. Labor Day is historically one of the deadliest drunk driving holiday weekends of the year.

In addition, beginning this Friday, State Police will join law enforcement around the country for Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) during the Labor Day weekend. The state-sponsored, national program is designed to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries caused by speeding, impaired driving and failure to use occupant restraints, particularly during the national holidays.

The Virginia State Police’s participation in Operation C.A.R.E. during the 2008 Labor Day holiday resulted in 8,492 speeders and 2,407 reckless drivers being stopped; 137 drunk drivers being arrested; and 896 safety belt violators and 271 child safety seat violations being cited. Of the 7 traffic fatalities, 6 were individuals not wearing safety belts. Including the fatalities, troopers investigated a total of 626 traffic crashes during the 2008 four-day holiday statistical counting period.

As additional troopers work along the highways during the Labor Day weekend, motorists are reminded to comply with Virginia’s “Move Over” law. The state law requires motorists to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle stopped in the shoulder of a roadway. If unable to move over, then drivers are required to use caution and slow down while passing the emergency vehicle.

Statewide Labor Day weekend traffic crash fatalities for the last 5 years are as follows: