Unsafe Drivers Target Of Extra VA Police Patrols Thanksgiving Week

VIRGINIA — Virginia State Police plan to increase patrols on Commonwealth roads this Thanksgiving weekend to crack down on distracted and speeding drivers in an effort to reduce crash deaths, the agency said.

Starting Wednesday, Virginia State Police will kick off Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort, a program intended to reduce crashes, fatalities, and injuries due to impaired driving, speed, and failing to wear a seat belt.

During the campaign, Virginia State Police plan to increase patrols, the agency said. The campaign will continue until 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 1.

"Buckling up takes minimal time and is one of the biggest things you can do to ensure that you arrive at your holiday destination safely," Lt. Col. Matt Hanley, interim superintendent of Virginia State Police, said in a statement. "We are asking you this holiday season to wear a seat belt, to slow down and drive within the speed limit, to drive sober, and drive distraction-free. Help us make this a safe holiday."

According to state police, troopers cited 4,520 drivers for speeding and 1,840 for reckless driving last Thanksgiving. State troopers also arrested 89 drivers for driving under the influence and wrote 427 citations for not wearing a seat belt.

Police said half of the 11 traffic fatalities recorded last Thanksgiving involved someone not wearing a seatbelt.

So far this year, 752 people have died on Virginia roads, police said.

Virginia State Police’s Thanksgiving efforts also coincide with the annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign and Mothers Against Drunk Driving winter holidays DUI-prevention campaign.