State Police will conduct a traffic enforcement effort on all 300 miles of Interstate 64 in Virginia on Friday and Saturday in an effort to encourage safer travel during the holidays.
VSP Appomattox, Chesapeake, Richmond and Salem divisions will take part in Operation DISS-rupt on Dec. 12-13.
Virginia State Police ran a similar operation on I-64 earlier this year on April 3-4. Troopers cited 218 drivers for speeding, 32 drivers for distracted driving and 74 people for reckless driving.
The traffic enforcement and educational safety initiative focuses on distracted driving, impaired driving, speed compliance and seat belt safety.
The operation’s goal is to achieve zero fatal crashes during designated enforcement periods and to reduce the total number of crashes on our interstates for the calendar year by 10 percent.
Preliminary data indicates as of Dec. 1, 774 persons have died in a traffic crash on a Virginia road this year.
“This initiative is about getting back to the basics of traffic safety, especially during the busy holiday travel season,” said Capt. Craig C. Worsham, Virginia State Police Appomattox division commander. “We are challenging motorists to help DISS-rupt the dangerous driving behaviors that put drivers and passengers at risk.”
Virginia State Police: Recommendations for drivers
- Ditch distractions: Virginia is “hands-free” which prohibits drivers from holding personal communications devices while driving. The use of GPS and phone calls are legal as long as the device is not in your hands.
- Never drive impaired: Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal in Virginia. Even buzzed driving is drunk driving. Always designate a sober driver, use public transportation or a ride-sharing service.
- Comply with speed limits: Posted speed limits on Virginia interstates never exceed 70 mph. So, neither should your speed.
- Seat belt safety: Virginia law requires all front seat occupants of motor vehicles be restrained, and any passenger from birth to 18 years old be properly restrained in an appropriate child safety seat or seat belt, no matter their seating position.
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Crystal Graham
