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State Police reminds drivers to heed weather advisories this Labor Day weekend

Posted at 12:10 AM, Sep 02, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-02 13:23:59-04

RICHMOND, Va. — State Police are reminding motorists to make safety a priority if traveling to and/or from the Hampton Roads region as Tropical Storm Hermine approaches this Labor Day weekend.

Hermine’s path is currently forecasted to impact Hampton Roads with a serious potential for heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding in the coastal region.

State Police are advising drivers to monitor local weather forecasts throughout the holiday weekend.

Hermine

“Motorists are also advised to never drive through flooded roadways or high, standing water, due to the severe threat of your vehicle getting stuck or carried away in the current,” a State Police spokesperson said in a press release. “When driving in heavy rain, always use your headlights, buckle up, slow down for adverse road conditions, and remain alert to other motorists and high water.”

With thousands on the roadways for Labor Day weekend, State Police is also telling drivers to expect to see more stationary and roving patrols by Virginia State Police troopers.

The program, called Operation CARE, is a nationwide, state-sponsored traffic safety program that aims to reduce traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries caused by impaired driving, speeding and failing to use occupant restraints.

Last year, there were 617 total traffic crashes in Virginia during Labor Day weekend. This includes 16 traffic deaths during the four-day holiday counting period, an increase from 11 in 2014.

Highway deaths during the Labor Day holiday weekend have increased for three consecutive years, and law enforcement plans to be out in full force with checkpoints.

For more information on storm preparations, safety tips, and advisories related to this storm, go to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management website.

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