PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Memorial Day weekend continues to be a time for deadly crash. This past weekend, 11 people were killed in nine crashes throughout Virginia, including one in Newport News, Virginia State Police said.
There were two double fatalities in Goochland and Henry Counties, and single fatalities in Newport News, Craig, Dinwiddie, Fairfax, Franklin and Lynchburg. There was a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred May 26 in Lynchburg. A pedestrian was killed in Fairfax County on May 24. There were two separate fatal crashes to occur in Dinwiddie County during the four-day holiday statistical counting period.
“Our goal for every major holiday travel weekend is for there to be no fatal crashes on our highways,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. “Eleven people is far too many lives lost. If this summer is going to be a safe one, drivers must watch their speed, buckle up, drive sober, and focus on the roads.”
As part Operation C.A.R.E (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort), Virginia Police had all available troopers and supervisors on patrol during the 2024 holiday weekend. Troopers cited over 3,500 drivers for speeding and over 1,400 drivers for reckless driving. Ninety-two drivers were arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI/DUID). Virginia state troopers also cited 303 drivers for violating the “hands-free” phone law.
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