10 Deaths On Virginia Highways Over 4th Of July Weekend: Police

VIRGINIA — Ten people died on Virginia highways over the July 4 holiday weekend, according to the Virginia State Police.

The holiday’s statistical counting period began at 12:01 a.m. on July 2 and ended at midnight on July 5. Four of the crashes involved motorcycles and a fifth was an all-terrain vehicle.

Since the beginning of the year, preliminary reports show 399 people have died in traffic crashes in Virginia, compared to 395 during the same time period in 2020, the Virginia State Police said.

The 10 fatal crashes over the July 4 holiday weekend occurred in the counties of Botetourt, Campbell, Chesterfield, Essex, Fairfax, Mecklenburg, Patrick and Stafford and the city of Newport News. The fatal motorcycle crashes occurred in the counties of Botetourt, Essex, Fairfax and Stafford. The Patrick County crash involved the ATV.

“Virginia State Police substantially increased our presence on Virginia roadways this past weekend, and yet, we still have people flaunting the safety of others on the road by driving at excessive speeds and under the influence,” Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police superintendent, said in a statement Wednesday.

During the four-day statistical counting period, Virginia troopers arrested 61 drunk drivers. In addition, state troopers cited 4,025 speeders and 1,434 reckless drivers, and issued 510 citations to people for failing to obey the law and buckle up.

The Virginia State Police also responded to a total 669 traffic crashes statewide and assisted 1,550 disabled or stranded motorists.

From Jan. 1 through July 7, preliminary reports show 399 people have died in traffic crashes in Virginia, compared to 395 during the same time period in 2020, the Virginia State Police said.

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