RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) — As we head into Memorial Day weekend and the summer, Virginia State Police is reminding motorists to drive safe and sober.
In 2024, there were 13 fatalities on Virginia roadways during the four-day statistical counting period for the Memorial Day holiday. In a seven-day period right after Memorial Day 2024, VSP investigated an additional 25 fatalities.
“This is a tremendously busy time of year, with graduations, vacations, parties and moves,” said Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. “We need Virginians to slow down, to exercise patience, drive safely and arrive alive. We would rather you arrive late and alive than not at all.”
More than 90 drivers were arrested for Driving Under the Influence during Memorial Day in 2024. Troopers cited over 3,500 drivers for speeding and over 1,400 drivers for reckless driving. 303 drivers were cited for violating the “hands-free” phone law.
AAA Mid-Atlantic is forecasting over a million Virginians will be heading out on trips over the Memorial Day holiday. Majority will be driving, meaning traffic will be heavy, and patience will be needed.
Beginning Friday, VSP will join law enforcement around the country for the Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E), a state-sponsored, national program intended to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries due to impaired driving, speed and failing to wear a seat belt. The 2025 Memorial Day statistical counting period begins at 12:01 a.m. on May 23 and continues through midnight Monday, May 26, 2025.
All available state police troopers and supervisors will be on patrol through the holiday weekend to help keep traffic moving safely.
