VA 2018 Memorial Day Weekend Fatal Crash, DUI Totals Released

RICHMOND, VA – The number of traffic deaths on Commonwealth road during the 2018 Memorial Day weekend was the lowest within at least the past five years, according to Virginia State Police. Preliminary reports show six traffic deaths occurred on Virginia highways between 12:01 a.m. Friday, May 25, and midnight on Monday, May 28.

"This decrease in the Memorial Day weekend traffic fatalities and the slowing of traffic deaths for 2018 are both proof that we can save lives on Virginia’s highways by working together,” said Col. Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police superintendent. “The Virginia State Police, in collaboration with our local police and sheriff’s offices, will continue our stepped up education and enforcement efforts as we head into the busy summer travel months. We simply ask for Virginians to do their part by always buckling up, complying with speed limits, driving distraction free and never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

This year’s six holiday fatal crashes occurred in the City of Newport News, and the counties of Chesterfield, Grayson, Nelson, Pittsylvania and Rockbridge. A man riding a dirt bike was killed in the Newport News crash. Of the remaining five fatal crashes, four involved people who were not wearing seat belts. Three of the victims not wearing seat belts were thrown when the vehicle they were riding in overturned as it crashed.

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In 2017 there were eight fatalities during the same period on Virginia roads; in 2016 there were also eight killed; in 2015 a total of 14 deaths were recorded; in 2014 the state saw eight fatalities; and in 2013 there were nine fatal crashes, the agency said.

During the 2018 Memorial Day weekend, the Virginia State Police again participated in Operation Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.), a program intended to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries caused by impaired driving, speed and failing to wear a seat belt. As a result of troopers’ increased presence on the highways during the busy holiday weekend, 99 impaired drivers were arrested and charged with DUI.

In addition, state troopers cited 8,004 speeders and 2,360 reckless drivers. State police also cited 1,038 occupant restraint violations, with 210 of those issued to adults for failing to safely secure a juvenile passenger in a child safety seat, booster seat or seat belt.

Money generated from summonses issued by Virginia State Police goes directly to court fees and the state’s Literary Fund, which benefits public school construction, technology funding and teacher retirement.

The Virginia State Police is continuing its enforcement efforts related to the ongoing “Click It or Ticket” campaign. The two-week concentrated education and enforcement initiative began May 21 and runs through Sunday, June 3. Of the 843 total traffic deaths in 2017 throughout Virginia, 351 were unrestrained.

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