Richmond, VA – As holiday travel peaks and New Year’s celebrations approach, Virginia State Police are urging drivers across the Commonwealth to slow down, buckle up, and avoid impaired driving, warning that roadway deaths remain a serious concern despite a year-over-year decline.
According to Virginia State Police, 704 people have died on Virginia roadways so far in 2025, compared with 813 deaths at the same point in 2024. Officials say the decrease is encouraging, but still far from acceptable.
“We are pleased that fatalities continue to trend lower, but there are still far too many deaths on Virginia’s roadways,” said Col. Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. “We need people to heed the messages of buckling up, driving the speed limit, avoiding distractions, and driving sober.”
Alcohol continues to play a major role in deadly crashes. State data shows 318 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in Virginia during 2024, underscoring ongoing concerns as holiday parties and celebrations increase.
To combat dangerous driving, Virginia State Police have launched Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort), which began Friday, December 19, at 12:01 a.m. and runs through Thursday, January 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The initiative increases patrols targeting impaired driving, speeding, and seat belt violations statewide.
Police are also reminding drivers of updated seat belt requirements. In 2024, 322 people killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts, prompting stricter enforcement requiring all occupants to be properly restrained, regardless of seating position.
State police encourage residents to plan ahead by designating sober drivers, using ride-share services or public transportation, and stopping others from driving while impaired. Motorists are also urged to report dangerous drivers by dialing #77.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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