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Traffic deaths in Virginia decline over Thanksgiving weekend

Posted at 6:01 PM, Nov 28, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-28 18:01:34-05

RICHMOND – According to preliminary reports, traffic deaths in Virginia decreased over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend compared to the previous two years.

State Police reports a total of seven people were killed in seven traffic crashes statewide, compared to nine deaths during the 2015 Thanksgiving holiday and eight in 2014.

These statistics comes after AAA projected a record number of Virginians traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

The 2016 Thanksgiving statistical counting period began at 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 23, and concluded at midnight Sunday, Nov. 27.

This year’s fatal traffic crashes occurred in the counties of Appomattox, Buckingham, Campbell, Caroline, Loudoun and Nottoway; and the cities of Newport News and Norfolk.

Two pedestrians were killed in the crashes in Caroline and Nottoway counties. The crashes in Appomattox and Buckingham counties claimed the lives of two teenagers.

Of the five drivers and passengers killed, four were not wearing seatbelts.

During the 2016 Thanksgiving weekend, Virginia State Police troopers:

  • Cited 9,594 speeders
  • Cited 2,812 reckless drivers
  • Arrested 137 drunken drivers
  • Cited 597 safety belt violations & 206 child restraint violations
  • Investigated 1,131 traffic crashes
  • Assisted 3,925 disabled/stranded motorists

“As we transition into the winter holidays, Virginia State Police troopers will continue our heightened patrol presence across the Commonwealth for the safety of all motorists,” said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “We are asking for Virginians to do their part, too, by always buckling up, obeying speed limits, driving alcohol and drug free, sharing the road, and not driving distracted. By working together, we can save countless lives on Virginia’s highways this holiday season.”

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