State Police: One fatality, more than 50 crashes with injuries statewide during winter storm

Virginia State Police troopers continue to respond to weather-related crashes, one reportedly involving a fatality, due to a fast-moving winter storm that impacted most of the state Sunday and Monday.

Some areas in Virginia received six inches or more of snow, while others received more ice and had more modest amounts of accumulation, around two inches.

In total, there has been at least one accident with a fatality and 56 additional crashes with reported injuries, according to data provided by VSP.

VSP is continuing to ask drivers to stay off the road to allow the Virginia Department of Transportation more time to make them passable for vehicles.

There are concerns about refreezing overnight as temperatures drop, VSP said.

By the numbers: Virginia State Police crash numbers

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• Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: 73 crashes, seven with reported injuries
• Monday, 4 a.m. to 11 a.m.: 248 crashes, 19 with reported injuries
• Monday, midnight to 4 a.m.: 52 crashes, three with reported injuries, one fatal crash
• Sunday, 4 p.m. to midnight: 181 crashes, 20 with reported injuries
• Sunday, noon to 4:30 p.m.: 136 crashes, seven with reported injuries

Snapshot: Breaking down Virginia crashes by region, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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• Richmond: Nine crashes, one with reported injuries
• Culpeper/Northwest: 12 crashes, one with reported injuries
• Appomattox/Central/West: Nine crashes, one with reported injuries
• Wytheville/Southwest: Four crashes, one with reported injuries
• Chesapeake/Hampton Roads: Eight crashes, one with reported injuries
• Salem/Western: Six crashes, none with reported injuries
• Northern: 25 crashes, two with reported injuries

State Police: Driving tips, if you need to be on the road

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• Use headlights. Increasing your visibility helps you to avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road, as well as helps other drivers see you better.
• Slow your speed. Though state police works closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation to identify problem areas on Virginia’s highways during a winter storm, drivers still must drive for conditions. Slowing your speed gives you more time to safely react and avoid a crash. Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control of your vehicle.
• Don’t tailgate. You need increased stopping distance on slick road surfaces. Give yourself more space between vehicles traveling ahead of you to avoid rear end collisions.
• Buckle up. Most crashes that occur during winter weather are caused by vehicles sliding into guardrails, off the road or other vehicles. Wearing your seat belt protects you from being thrown around the inside of your vehicle and suffering serious injury in a crash.
• Check your vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order for the conditions. Fill up the tank in advance. Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire tread, battery life, etc.
• Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight.

More coverage

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