Ten Killed in Virginia Crashes over Labor Day Weekend

Ten people were killed in eight traffic crashes over Labor Day Weekend this year, according to Virginia State Police. Though the number of fatalities over the holiday weekend is up from nine in 2013, the number of fatalities overall this year have declined, the Virginia State Police reports.

“Ten traffic fatalities is ten too many. Unfortunately, to see such loss of life on our roads is discouraging as we had hoped to see the number of fatal crashes drop and not increase,” said Virginia State Police Superintendent Colonel W. Steven Flaherty in a press release. “If anything, this shows the need to continue with high visible traffic enforcement efforts and urge drivers and passengers to do their part and remain vigilant by making safe driving practices their first priority – now and always.”

A fatal crash in Accomack County killed three, including a 12-year-old passenger who was not wearing a seatbelt. A 17-year-old male driver was also killed in a crash in Roanoke County.

The remaining six fatal crashes occurred in Chesterfield, Henry, King George, Prince George, Rockbridge and Rockingham counties. Six of the eight fatal crashes occurred Saturday, Aug. 30, according to Virginia State Police. The victims range in age from 12 to 81. Police say alcohol was a factor in at least two of the weekend’s fatal crashes and three drivers were not wearing seatbelts.

Overall, police investigated more than 600 traffic crashes this weekend across the state of Virginia, citing 11,853 speeders and 3,481 reckless drivers. State police placed 109 drunken drivers under arrest and troopers issued 916 safety belt violations as well as 310 child safety seat violations.

Over the holiday weekend, police participated in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), a state-sponsored, national program intended to reduce the number of crashes, fatalities and injuries from impaired driving, speeding and failure to use proper occupant restraints, according to the Virginia DMV.

The 2014 Labor Day period takes into account all incidents that occurred from 12:01 a.m. Friday, Aug. 29 to midnight Monday, Sept. 1.

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