News

May 23, 2010
Interstates 95 & 81 Focus of VSP's Upcoming Operation Air, Land & Speed Enforcement
Increased Uniform Patrols Coincide with Click It or Ticket Campaign

RICHMOND - Troopers will increase patrols along two Virginia interstates as part of the Virginia State Police safety program known as Operation Air, Land and Speed. Interstates 95 and 81 are the focus of this May enforcement blitz which begins Sunday, May 23, and continues through Monday, May 24, 2010. Troopers will conduct roaming patrols and radar along the entire north-south corridors of both interstates during the two-day traffic safety initiative.

At the same time, Virginia State Police will participate in the Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization, along with hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the state and nation. The additional traffic safety project, which runs May 24 - June 6, 2010, is aimed at increasing seat belt use in Virginia and ultimately saving lives.

There are so many lives which can be saved, or injuries significantly reduced if every driver and passenger in Virginia took a few extra seconds to buckle a seatbelt, says Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent.

It is not only important for you but it is an investment for your family and loved ones. Don't take a chance. Protect yourself and your passengers by simply buckling up.

According to preliminary figures, from Jan.1 - May 15, 2010, 244 people were killed in traffic-related fatalities in Virginia. Of those fatalities, 113 were not wearing a seat belt.*

Both traffic safety projects, Click It or Ticket and Operation Air, Land & Speed use a high visible police presence to promote driver safety.

The most recent Operation Air, Land & Speed project was in March. The two-day enforcement initiative produced 7,016 summonses and arrests on Interstates 95 and 81. From March 6, 2010 through March 7, 2010, between both interstates, Virginia State Police stopped a total of 3,536 speeders, 717 reckless drivers and 20 drunk drivers. A total of 310 safety belt violations were cited, and 35 drug and felony arrests were made.

With the increased presence of troopers on the interstates, motorists are reminded to comply with Virginias Move Over law. The state law requires drivers to change to another travel lane or, when not able to, to cautiously pass emergency personnel stopped on the side of the road.

The comprehensive enforcement project will utilize troopers, supervisors, motorcycle units and motor carrier troopers. State police operational duties on other interstates, primary and secondary roads will not be affected during the operation. Funding for the enforcement initiative is provided through federal highway safety monies.