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36 crashes an hour on Central Va. highways

Posted at 9:12 AM, Mar 03, 2014
and last updated 2014-03-03 17:08:36-05

Accident I-95 North mm 106 (PHOTO: Lamar Person)

Accident I-95 North mm 106 (PHOTO: Lamar Person)

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – Virginia State Police responded to 437 crashes between 5:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. in Central Virginia, according to Virginia State Police spokesman Sgt. Thomas Molnar.

There have been 583 calls for service, a number that includes 87 disabled vehicles.

There has been one weather related traffic fatality, in Amelia County.

The Richmond Division includes:

  • Richmond
  • Petersburg
  • Amelia
  • Caroline
  • Chesterfield
  • Charles City
  • Dinwiddie
  • Essex
  • Goochland
  • Hanover
  • Henrico
  • King and Queen
  • King William
  • Lancaster
  • Louisa
  • New Kent
  • Nottoway
  • Northumberland
  • Powhatan
  • Richmond County
  • Westmoreland
  • Prince George
  • King George

State Police provided the following winter driving tips:

Driving Tips in Inclement Weather

• State law requires headlights to be on when windshield wipers are in active use

• Completely clear all windows and head/taillights of snow/ice before traveling

• Add extra time to reach travel destination

• Slow your speed for road conditions

• Increase driving distances between vehicles for increased stopping distance

• Do not tailgate snow plows or sand trucks

• Always Buckle up and ensure your passengers are buckled up as well

• Do not drive distracted

• If your vehicle begins to hydroplane steer your vehicle in the direction you want your vehicle to go

• Brake and accelerate lightly

• Plan ahead before you travel by calling 511 for road conditions or click on http://www.511virginia.org – Do not call 911 or #77, as these are for emergency calls only

• Have a charged cell phone and extra blankets, water, snacks in case your vehicle becomes disabled

• Know your location to give to an emergency dispatcher to include the direction of travel in case you need emergency response. Use exit numbers or mile markers when on the interstate as points of reference (For example, Interstate 95 northbound at the 80 mile marker.)

• Motorists are also reminded to comply with Virginia’s “Move Over” law, which requires drivers to change to another travel lane or, when not able to, to cautiously pass emergency personnel stopped on the side of the road. State law includes highway maintenance vehicles and tow trucks equipped with flashing amber lights.