Virginia State Police respond to winter storm, more than 40 crashes

Virginia State Police has responded to more than 150 incidents and 40 crashes due to the winter storm in the Commonwealth.

State Police has increased its presence on the roads to handle crashes due to snow and ice.

Virginia State Police continue to urge drivers not to drive during the storm.

Staying off the roads provides more room for the Virginia Department of Transportation to make the roads passable.

For the latest on road conditions and updates, call 511 on a cell phone or go online to the VDOT Virginia traffic information website at 511.vdot.virginia.gov.

Virginians are asked to only call 911 or #77 on a cell phone in case of emergency. It is essential to keep emergency dispatch lines open for those in serious need of police, fire or medical response.

Midnight to 6 a.m. call log (by division)

• Richmond – 11 crashes
• Appomattox – Five crashes
• Wytheville – Two crashes
• Chesapeake – 22 crashes
• Salem – Three crashes

Tips for driving in the storm

• 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.
• Be prepared. Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight.