Latest news with #MatthewD.Hanley
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Seven killed in crashes over Memorial Day weekend across Virginia, state police say
VIRGINIA () — Virginia State Police (VSP) said seven people were killed in seven collisions over Memorial Day weekend throughout the state. VSP noted the number is a significant drop from 2024, when 13 people died in crashes over the holiday weekend. 'Our goal remains to see a holiday weekend where there are no fatal crashes,' said Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of VSP. 'With graduations and summer travel continuing beyond this past weekend, we are continuing to ask drivers to buckle up, slow down, drive sober, and avoid distractions.' The crashes happened in Bedford, Buckingham, Caroline, Fauquier and Spotsylvania counties — as well as in the cities of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. VSP issues CODI alert for 15-year-old girl in Frederick County last seen Memorial Day In Spotsylvania County, a motorcycle was involved in the collision on Interstate 95, officials noted. As part of a nationwide, state-sponsored operation, troopers cited over 3,300 drivers for speeding and over 1,500 people for reckless driving. Over 70 people were arrested for Driving Under the Influence and 405 were cited for violating the 'hands-free' phone law, VSP said. VSP noted that more than 500 citations were given for seatbelt violations, and 122 child restraint citations were issued. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
VSP: 7 died in Memorial Day weekend crashes in Virginia
RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) – Preliminary data released by Virginia State Police (VSP) show that seven people died in crashes over 2025 Memorial Day Weekend, almost cutting the number of deaths in half compared to the recorded 13 deaths during the 2024 weekend. VSP warns drivers to still keep their guards up on the roads, as 25 deaths were recorded the week following the holiday in 2024. 'With graduations and summer travel continuing beyond this past weekend, we are continuing to ask drivers to buckle up, slow down, drive sober, and avoid distractions,' said Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. The fatal crashes occurred in the the cities of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, as well as Bedford, Buckingham, Caroline, Fauquier and Spotsylvania counties. The fatal crash in Bedford County Saturday afternoon, which was a hit-and-run involving a bicycle and a second vehicle, remains under investigation. All VSP troopers were on patrol during the weekend as a part of Operation C.A.R.E (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort). Virginia State Police collaborates with North Carolina State Highway Patrol to reduce impaired driving VSP troopers cited over 3,300 drivers for speeding and over 1,500 drivers for reckless driving. Seventy-one drivers were arrested for driving under the influence and 405 drivers were cited for violating the 'hands-free' phone law. While the numbers are down across the board, Hanley said there is still work to be done. 'Our goal remains to see a holiday weekend where there are no fatal crashes.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Tennessee and Virginia saw fewer Memorial Day weekend crash fatalities in 2025
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Tennessee and Virginia reported fewer crash fatalities this Memorial Day weekend compared to last year. The Tennessee Highway Patrol responded to five fatal crashes that resulted in eight fatalities between Friday night and early Tuesday morning. During the 2024 Memorial Day holiday period, there were 14 fatalities recorded. 'While we are encouraged by the reduction in fatalities this Memorial Day weekend, any loss of life on our roads is a tragedy,' Col. Matt Perry, commander of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, said in a release. 'Our troopers worked hard to enforce traffic laws and assist motorists, and we are thankful for the public's cooperation. We will continue our efforts to promote safe driving habits and ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.' Virginia State Police said there were seven people killed in crashes Friday through Monday, down from 13 fatalities last year. Fatal crashes occurred in Bedford, Buckingham, Caroline, Fauquier, and Spotsylvania counties and in the cities of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. 'Our goal remains to see a holiday weekend where there are no fatal crashes,' said Col. Matthew D. Hanley, superintendent of Virginia State Police. 'With graduations and summer travel continuing beyond this past weekend, we are continuing to ask drivers to buckle up, slow down, drive sober, and avoid distractions.' Virginia state troopers cited 405 drivers for violating the hands-free driving law. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
VSP reminds motorists to drive safe and sober Memorial Day weekend
RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY)– As we head into Memorial Day weekend and the summer, Virginia State Police (VSP) is reminding motorists to drive safe and sober. In 2024, there were 13 fatalities on Virginia roadways during the four-day statistical counting period for the Memorial Day holiday. In a seven-day period right after Memorial Day 2024, VSP investigated an additional 25 fatalities. 'This is a tremendously busy time of year, with graduations, vacations, parties and moves,' said Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. 'We need Virginians to slow down, to exercise patience, drive safely and arrive alive. We would rather you arrive late and alive than not at all.' More than 90 drivers were arrested for Driving Under the Influence during Memorial Day in 2024. Troopers cited over 3,500 drivers for speeding and over 1,400 drivers for reckless driving. 303 drivers were cited for violating the 'hands-free' phone law. AAA Mid-Atlantic is forecasting over a million Virginians will be heading out on trips over the Memorial Day holiday. Majority will be driving, meaning traffic will be heavy, and patience will be needed. Beginning Friday, VSP will join law enforcement around the country for the Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E), a state-sponsored, national program intended to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries due to impaired driving, speed and failing to wear a seat belt. The 2025 Memorial Day statistical counting period begins at 12:01 a.m. on May 23 and continues through midnight Monday, May 26, 2025. All available state police troopers and supervisors will be on patrol through the holiday weekend to help keep traffic moving safely. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Yahoo
Virginia State Police continues Operation C.A.R.E for St. Patrick's Day
VIRGINIA () — Festivities celebrating Ireland's patron saint took place throughout the weekend. If you plan to join the fun on St. Patrick's Day, Virginia State Police (VSP) reminds the community not to drink and drive. Officials noted that drunk driving is not only deadly, but it can be costly. If caught while driving drunk some of the consequences include jail time, losing driving privileges and vehicle and paying up to $10,000 in attorney's fees, according to state police. Buckle up! Maryland State Police to increase patrols on highways, roads for St. Patrick's Day VSP said that in 2024, the weekend of St. Patrick's Day (March 15-18), 87 crashes involving alcohol happened across the Commonwealth. Troopers said six people died and 53 people were injured. 'The safety of our citizens is our top concern,' said Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of the Virginia State Police. 'We encourage everyone to take the necessary steps to ensure there is a sober driver during the holiday and every day. By working together, we can keep our roadways safe.' To prevent deadly crashes and injuries throughout St. Patrick's Day, VSP will participate in Operation C.A.R.E (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort). The operation began at 12:01 a.m. on March 15 and will end at midnight on March 17. Person injured after tree falls on roadway in Potomac Until then, there will be an increase in state troopers across the highways and state police urge drivers to: Ensure you have a designated sober driver, a plan to use public transportation or a ride share service BEFORE any drinking begins. Buzzed driving is drunk driving. Be honest with yourself and know that even if you only plan on having one drink, you should plan on having a designated driver. Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly. Being under the influence can cause a lack of attention to surroundings and put pedestrians at risk of being hit by a vehicle. If you see a drunk driver on the road, pull over safely and dial #77 on a cell phone or call 911. If you know someone who has been drinking and is about to drive, take the keys and make arrangements to get them home safely. If you are driving, keep an eye out for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users on the roadways. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
