4th Of July 2019: Virginia State Police To Beef Up Patrols

RICHMOND, VA—With more motorists on the road during the long Fourth of July weekend, expect more troopers on Virginia roads, as well. That's the word from Virginia State Police, who will be part of Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E), a state-sponsored national program "intended to reduce crashed, fatalities and injuries due to impaired driving, speed and failing to wear a seat belt."

Toward that end, from 12:10 a.m. Wednesday, July 2 through midnight Friday, July 5, Virginia State Police will operate with increased patrols throughout the state. Coming under increased scrutiny will be speeders and intoxicated drivers.

"Virginia may have experienced fewer alcohol-related crashes in 2018, but those fewer crashes proved more dangerous and deadlier," Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent, said in a release. "Last year in Virginia, alcohol-related fatalities increased by 12.1% in comparison to 2017. Thirty more people died and 45 more people were injured in traffic crashes due to alcohol on Virginia's highways in 2018.

"That translates to 278 deaths and 4,475 injuries because of someone's reckless decision to drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs."

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During last year's two-day Fourth of July "weekend", Virginia troopers arrested 42 drunk drivers, cited 4,911 speeders and 1,251 reckless drivers, issued 114 citations for child seat violations and cited 433 people for not wearing seat belts. Here's more from Virginia State Police:

If planning to drink alcohol at a July 4 function, plan ahead and arrange a designated driver, use a rideshare service or taxi, or utilize public transportation to be certain you get home safely. Party hosts are encouraged to serve guests non-alcoholic beverage options, and to help prevent any guests from drinking and driving home from their event.

With increased holiday patrols, Virginia State Police also reminds drivers of Virginia’s “Move Over” law, which requires motorists to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle stopped alongside the road. If unable to move over, then drivers are required to cautiously pass the emergency vehicle. The law also applies to workers in vehicles equipped with amber lights.