Latest news with #OperationC.A.R.E
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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
MSHP sets Memorial Day counting period, gives safety advice
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Missouri State Highway Patrol announced it has set the Memorial Day weekend counting period and offers safety advice to holiday travelers. In a press release, MSHP reminds everyone to include safety when planning the holiday weekend. People may see an increase in travelers on roadways and an increase in boating traffic on the state's lakes and rivers. The Memorial Day counting period will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 23, and will end at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 26. Every available trooper will be on the road or water, enforcing Missouri laws and assisting people. Troopers on roadways will focus their attention on hazardous moving violations, speed violations and impaired drivers. MSHP will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during the holiday weekend. Over the 2024 Memorial Day weekend, there were 1,046 vehicle crashes statewide, which injured 486 people and killed 10. Troopers worked 275 traffic crashes involving seven fatalities and 161 injuries. Memorial Day weekend marks an unofficial start to boating season. During the 2024 Memorial Day weekend, there were seven boating crashes, which included no fatalities and seven injuries. No one drowned over last year's Memorial Day weekend. Troopers also made 128 driving while intoxicated and six boating while intoxicated arrests. MSHP reminds drivers and boaters to always be courteous and pay attention. Motorists or boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use MSHP's Emergency Assistance number at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. MSHP said speed, inattention and impaired driving are the leading causes of traffic crashes. Drivers should obey all traffic laws and make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or car seat. When on the water, boaters are encouraged to be courteous to others, wear a life jacket, obey the law regarding the safe operation of a boating vessel and always observe no-wake zones. Causing harm to another person or their property with an excessive boat wake may subject you to enforcement or civil liability.
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.