9 Killed In VA Crashes Over Thanksgiving Holiday: State Police

VIRGINIA — Throughout Virginia, nine people died in traffic crashes over the Thanksgiving holiday, according to Virginia State Police figures released Tuesday afternoon.

Officials said this year's traffic fatalities marked a steep decrease from 2022, when 19 people died in crashes from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through the Sunday after the holiday.

In a news release, authorities noted that most of the people killed in the holiday's crashes were not wearing seatbelts.

The fatalities occurred in eight crashes in Amelia, Buchanan, Fairfax, Henrico, Henry, Madison, Wythe, and Chesapeake. The Wythe crash was the only incident with multiple fatalities — a married couple from Ohio died from injuries suffered in the collision.

"The reduction in traffic crashes is definitely encouraging and we appreciate everyone who put in the extra effort to drive safely and responsibly over the Thanksgiving weekend,” Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent, said in a news release. “As we now head into the winter holiday season, I urge Virginians to please buckle up, not follow too closely, comply with posted speed limits, and drive drug and alcohol-free.”

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, Virginia State Police troopers joined the national Operation Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.).

Virginia troopers issued speeding citations to 4,520 drivers over the Thanksgiving holiday in 2023. State troopers also arrested 89 people for driving under the influence and wrote tickets for 427 people who were not wearing seat belts.