VSP: Six killed in fatal crashes during Fourth of July travel

VSP: Six killed in fatal crashes during Fourth of July travel

RICHMOND, Va. (WFXR) — According to Virginia State Police, preliminary statistics showed that six people were killed in six crashes on Virginia’s roadways during the Fourth of July holiday.

During the statistical counting period from Wednesday, July 3 through Sunday, July 7, VSP says multiple fatal crashes took place in Bedford and Wythe Counties. VSP reports two deadly crashes occurred in Bedford County during the holiday week.

Other locations around the Commonwealth where fatal crashes were also reported included Charles City and Henrico Counties, and the City of Richmond.

To do its part to increase safety and reduce traffic fatalities on Virginia’s roadways, State Police participated in Operation C.A.R.E, intended to reduce crashes, fatalities, and injuries due to impaired driving, speed, and failing to wear a seat belt. During their operation in 2024, troopers cited 4,004 seeders and 1,868 reckless drivers and arrested 95 drivers on DUIs.

They also reported another 574 drivers were issued citations for failing to put on a seat belt, 191 citations for children not being properly secured in a vehicle, and 423 drivers were cited for being in violation of Virginia’s ‘hands-free’ law.

“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. “On July 4th in the middle of the afternoon on I-495 in Northern Virginia, Trooper J.T. Pappas stopped a driver for doing 137 mph in a posted 65 mph zone. A few days before that a motorist was cited for driving 125 mph on I-64 in Rockbridge County. Virginia highways are no place for triple-digit speeds. To save lives on our roads, Virginians must put forth the extra effort and comply with posted speed limits.”