Update: Winter weather wreaks havoc on Virginia roads with 700 crashes

The winter storm that moved into Virginia overnight has caused more than 700 crashes statewide from midnight until 9 p.m. on Tuesday.

There have been 70 accidents with injuries but no fatalities, according to Virginia State Police.

In the Appomattox division, covering much of central/western Virginia (Staunton, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, South Boston), there have been 99 crashes, seven of which had reported injuries.

In the Fairfax division, covering much of northern Virginia, there have been 43 crashes, seven of which had reported injuries.

In the Wytheville division, covering much of southwestern Virginia, there have been 103 crashes, nine of which had reported injuries.

In Division 1, which includes the cities of Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights and the counties of Amelia, Caroline, Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Essex, Goochland, Henrico, King and Queen, King William, Lancaster, Louisa, New Kent, Northumberland, Nottoway, Prince George, Powhatan, Richmond, and Westmoreland, there have been 163 total crashes, 21 of which involved injuries.

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ICYMI

• Update: Winter storm results in 305 crashes in Virginia, 24 with injuries, no fatalities
• Virginia State Police: 73 crashes, four injuries reported in winter storm

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State Police continue to encourage drivers to stay off the roads during the storm and allow the Virginia Department of Transportation and other emergency crews more space to work.

Tips for drivers

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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 VDOT 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.

For the latest road conditions, call 511 on a cell phone or go online to www.511virginia.org