25 VA Traffic Deaths In 1 Week, Including NoVA Teen, Worry State Police

VIRGINIA — A teen driver's death in Northern Virginia is among 25 traffic fatalities within one week. Virginia State Police have raised concerns about the "alarmingly tragic start" to the summer season on the roads.

One of the 25 traffic deaths was a teen killed in a two-vehicle crash in Loudoun County Saturday, according to Virginia State Police.

Leiliana N. Schwartz, 16, of Lovettsville, died after a collision with another vehicle around 1:20 p.m. Saturday. According to state police, a 2020 Volvo XC60 was heading west on East Loudoun Street in Round Hill and could not avoid a 1997 Honda Civic. The Civic had pulled into the Volvo's path from Leesburg Pike while trying to turn left onto eastbound East Loudoun Street.

Schwartz had serious injuries from the crash and later died of those injuries at a hospital. Friends of the Schwartz family started a GoFundMe fundraiser to help with "medical bills, funeral arrangements, and unforeseen expenses."

The Volvo driver was not hurt. Both drivers were wearing seat belts. State police say the crash continues to be investigated.

Across Virginia, state police say there were 25 traffic fatalities between Tuesday, May 28 and Tuesday, June 4. One of the crashes in Buckingham County crash on May 28 killed four people. A May 31 crash in Dinwiddie County killed two people. Virginia State Police recorded two more fatal crashes Tuesday morning.

"Twenty-five traffic deaths in one week should be of very serious concern for every Virginian," said Col. Gary T. Settle, superintendent of Virginia State Police. "In order for this summer to be a safe one, we need Virginians to re-commit to safe driving habits. Driving smart, safe and sober must be everyone’s number one, and only, focus when behind the wheel."

Two of the fatal crashes — one in Dickenson County on May 31 and the second in Virginia Beach on June 1 — involved motorcycles. A Goochland County crash on May 30 led to a pedestrian being struck and killed.

The 25 crashes within one week happened in Accomack, Augusta, Buckingham, Brunswick, Caroline, Carroll, Dickinson, Dinwiddie, Frederick, Goochland, Hanover, James City, Loudoun, Louisa, Mecklenburg, Prince George, and Rockingham counties, as well as the cities of Newport News and Virginia Beach.

Across the state, there have been 336 traffic deaths on highways from Jan. 1 to June 4. During the same time period in 2023, there were 341 traffic deaths.

As summer plans ramp up, Virginia State Police are encouraging drivers to prioritize safety by following speed limits, wearing a seat belt, avoiding distractions and driving sober and drug-free. State police are participating in the "100 Safest Days of Summer Campaign" to encourage safe teen driver habits, as the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is typically the deadliest for teen drivers.

For motorcycle drivers, state police are offering 22 free Ride 2 Save Lives Motorcycle Assessment training events at locations around the state. Several of the events are at Northern Virginia Community College's Manassas campus.