7 Killed On VA Roads Over Thanksgiving Weekend: State Police

VIRGINIA — Seven people were killed in car crashes over the Thanksgiving holiday in Virginia and dozens were arrested for driving under the influence, according to state police.

In a news release, Virginia State Police said one person died on Thanksgiving Day in an off-road ATV crash in Warren County. Over the five days starting at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 27 and ending at midnight on Dec. 1, six other fatal crashes occurred in Culpeper, Page, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Wythe counties.

The number of fatalities was down from 2023 when 11 people died over the Thanksgiving holiday, police said.

“Virginia State Police is pleased that we continue to see the number of fatalities decrease, although we want that number at zero,” Lt. Col. Matt Hanley, interim superintendent of Virginia State Police, said in a statement. “However, we still are seeing too many people not buckling up when they are in a vehicle. It can save lives. Please wear a seatbelt and make this a safe rest of the holiday season.”

Over the holiday, state police cited 3,638 speeders and 1,700 reckless drivers. Troopers arrested 77 drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Troopers also issued 404 citations to people for failing to buckle up and another 116 citations for children not being properly secured in a vehicle.

Overall, state troopers responded to 1,182 crashes, 129 of which resulted in injuries.

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, Virginia State Police participated in Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort), an annual, state-sponsored program during which state police increase patrols to reduce traffic deaths and injuries.

Revenue generated from citations go directly to court fees and the state’s Literary Fund, which benefits public school construction, technology funding and teacher retirement.