A Dozen Traffic Deaths Mark Tragic Labor Day Weekend In Virginia

A dozen people were killed in traffic crashes over the long Labor Day weekend in Virginia, marking the most deadly year for the holiday in three years.

The dozen individuals were killed in 11 fatal crashes from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3, according to Virginia State Police. The fatality number is the highest since 2015, when 16 died over the holiday weekend. Last year, there were five traffic crashes on Virginia’s highways.

The fatal crashes happened in the counties of Carroll, Culpeper, Fairfax, Page, Prince William, Smyth, Tazewell and York and the cities of Lawrenceville, Newport News and Norfolk. Victims included three motorcyclists, a motorcycle passenger, three pedestrians and two people in cars not wearing seat belts. In Fairfax County, a pedestrian was struck crossing the road.

Police say many crashes on Virginia highways can be prevented by wearing seat belts, not driving while intoxicated and staying alert.

"For most, Labor Day marks the close of summer, the last neighborhood cookout and the start of a new school year, but for 12 families – the families of those who experienced the loss of a loved one this weekend – this holiday is forever changed," said Col. Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police superintendent, in a statement. "It’s nothing short of alarming to have a 140 percent increase in fatalities compared to last year. What’s more surprising is that many of the crashes we see on Virginia’s highways could be prevented if we all do our part toward safety."

During the 2018 Labor Day weekend, the state sponsored Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort), a national traffic safety initiative to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries due to impaired driving, speed and failing to wear a seat belt. Virginia State Police and local law enforcement stepped up enforcement of drunk driving around the state. From Aug. 17 through Labor Day, there were 94 checkpoints and 612 saturation patrols.

Virginia State Police troopers alone arrested and charged 72 people with DUI and cited 8,427 for speeding, 2,050 for reckless driving and 1,024 for occupant restraint violations.

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