RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia State Police responded to 279 traffic crashes within the 21 counties and four cities that make up the Richmond Division as of Saturday afternoon.
State police officials said "things have slowed down significantly" and that the majority of the crashes have been minor.
“The majority of the crashes only involve damage to vehicles and no injuries. Any injuries that have been reported have been minor,” Sgt. Keeli Hill, with Virginia State Police, said.
There have been no reported fatalities.
The traffic crashes are from 4 p.m. Friday until around 3 p.m. Saturday.
Semi driver charged with reckless driving
A tractor trailer driver was charged with reckless driving following a crash early Saturday morning in eastern Henrico.
“Virginia State Police responded to reports of an overturned tractor trailer hauling several vehicles on southbound I-295 at the 28 mile marker, just south of Rt. 60 in Henrico County,” Virginia State Police spokesperson Sgt. Keeli Hill. “The Troopers preliminary report reveals the driver, Larry Cruz, of Miami, Florida lost control running off the right side of the roadway into a ditch forcing the tractor trailer to turn over on its side.”
Cruz, who was hauling seven cars at the time of the crash, was not hurt.
Watch out for black ice
As light to moderate snow wraps up Saturday evening, untreated water on the roads will freeze by Sunday morning when temps dive into the mid and upper 20s, according to the CBS 6 Weather Authority.
Accordingly, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) officials said crews are continuing to treat and monitor the roads in rotating 12-hour shifts.
As of Saturday evening, VDOT officials said roads in the Richmond region were currently in clear to minor condition. That means drivers could find some icy patches on portions of the roads. Officials said interstate and primary routes are clear, but that there is some slush on secondary roads.
"Road conditions may change quickly as temperatures drop this afternoon and into tonight, so drivers should continue to limit travel if possible," officials said. "There is added potential for wet areas on the roadway to refreeze overnight."
Officials urged drivers to use extra caution and leave additional space between vehicles.
VDOT said crews will give extra focus to bridges, ramps and overpasses as they continue to treat roads with salt and sand.
