State Police: Six individuals died on Virginia highways during July Fourth holiday weekend

Six individuals died in six traffic crashes on Virginia highways during the five-day July Fourth holiday weekend.

Of those who died, one was a pedestrian struck in a hit-and-run crash, four were drivers and one was a passenger.

The fatal crashes took place in Richmond and Bedford, Charles City, Henrico and Wythe counties. Two of the fatal crashes occurred in Bedford County.

In 2023, seven people died during the same statistical counting period.

“Excessive speeding, drivers and passengers failing to buckle up and distracted driving continue to put too many at risk traveling on our highways,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police superintendent.

A driver was stopped for driving at 137 mph on I-495 in Northern Virginia. The posted speed limit was 65 mph. A motorist was also cited for driving 125 mph on Interstate 64 in Rockbridge County.

“Virginia highways are no place for triple-digit speeds,” said Settle. “To save lives on our roads, Virginians must put forth the extra effort and comply with posted speed limits.”

The 2024 statistical counting period began at 12:01 a.m. on July 3 and concluded at midnight on July 7.

State police investigated 1,027 total traffic crashes statewide and assisted 1,011 disabled or stranded motorists during the July Fourth weekend.

Operation CARE (July Fourth holiday weekend)

Virginia State Police participated in Operation CARE: Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort, a state-sponsored, national program intended to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries due to impaired driving, speed and failing to wear a seat belt.

• Cited 4,044 speeders
• Cited 1,868 reckless drivers
• Arrested 95 drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs (DUI/DUID)
• Issued 574 citations to individuals for failing to buckle up
• Issued 191 citations for children not being properly secured in a vehicle.
• Cited 423 drivers for being in violation of Virginia’s “hands free” law

Funds generated from summonses issued by Virginia State Police go directly to court fees and the state’s literary fund which benefits public school construction, technology funding and teacher retirement.