VSP gives updated crash numbers for Southwest region after latest winter storm
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Virginia State Police have released updated accident numbers from the latest winter weather that passed through the Southwest and Central Virginia regions.
Across the state, VSP said there have been 557 accidents as of 11 a.m. on February 20, resulting in a total of 48 injuries.
In the Staunton, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and South Boston areas there have been 110 crashes with 14 injuries.
Near Wytheville, there have been 56 crashes with 7 reported injuries.
There have currently been no deaths reported during this storm.
Officials continue to work on road conditions in winter storm
If you have to travel, drivers are reminded to do the following:
Use headlights. Increasing your visibility helps you to avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road, as well as helps other drivers see you better.
Slow your speed. Though state police work closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to identify problem areas on Virginia's highways during a winter storm, drivers still must drive for conditions. Slowing your speed gives you more time to safely react and avoid a crash. Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control of your vehicle.
Don't tailgate. You need increased stopping distance on slick road surfaces. Give yourself more space between vehicles traveling ahead of you to avoid rear-end collisions.
Buckle Up. Most crashes that occur during winter weather are caused by vehicles sliding into guardrails, off the road, or other vehicles. Wearing your seat belt protects you from being thrown around the inside of your vehicle and suffering serious injury in a crash.
Check Your Vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order for the conditions. Fill up the tank in advance. Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire tread, battery life, etc.
Don't leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger, and flashlight.
Virginia State Police said crews and officers continue to respond to emergencies and ask motorists to avoid travel, if possible, to allow VDOT and other responders the room to work on the roads.
For the latest in road conditions and updates, please call 511 on a cell phone or go online to the VDOT Virginia Traffic Information Website at https://511.vdot.virginia.gov.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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