VIRGINIA (WFXR) — The Virginia State Police reports 9 people were killed on Virginia highways over the past Memorial Day weekend.
Two of these fatal crashes mentioned occurred in Henry County. On May 26, a 57-year-old man died on Route 220. Then, on May 28, a 53-year-old woman and a 22-year-old woman died while driving on Blackberry Road.
VSP said 16 people lost their lives on Virginia roadways over the 2022 Memorial Day weekend. As a precautionary measure, VSP Troopers initiated the C.A.R.E. Operation in May to advise drivers of the additional risks the holiday weekend may bring when traveling.
Over the weekend, Virginia Troopers cited 4,990 speeders, investigated 1,846 traffic crashes, cited 1,924 reckless drivers, and arrested 89 impaired drivers.
Troopers emphasize the importance of passenger safety. During Memorial Day weekend, Virginia Troopers also cited 771 seat belt violations and 136 child restraint violations.
“If this past Memorial Day weekend is any indication of what Virginia’s highways may look like during the coming summer months, then we desperately need drivers and passengers to make a committed effort to buckle up everyone in a vehicle, share the road responsibly with motorcycles, and drive distraction-free,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent.
VSP identified Memorial Day weekend from Friday, May 26 at 12:01 a.m. until midnight on Monday. Therefore, the four individuals who died on I-81 on Tuesday morning around 3:30 a.m. were not included in the statistics.
“Responsible, safe, and sober driving saves lives. It is really that simple,” said Trooper Settle.
