As a winter storm continues to impact Virginia, the Virginia State Police are working around the clock to respond to crashes across the Commonwealth.
While not all of the reported crashes are storm-related, troopers are seeing a significant increase in traffic incidents as hazardous conditions persist on Virginia’s roadways.
The storm, which has brought snow and ice to many regions of the state, has prompted VSP to urge drivers to stay off the roads to allow the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews time to clear and treat highways.
Refreezing overnight is a major concern as temperatures drop, further complicating travel conditions.
In response to the winter storm, Virginia State Police have been operating with 12-hour shifts since Sunday, ensuring a strong presence on the roads.
To handle the increasing number of crashes and incidents, VSP has also increased the number of troopers available statewide.
Between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., VSP responded to numerous crashes across multiple divisions. Here’s a breakdown of the incidents:
Division 1 (Richmond): 9 crashes, 1 with reported injuries
Division 2 (Culpeper - Northwest VA): 12 crashes, 1 with reported injuries
Division 3 (Appomattox - Central-West VA): 9 crashes, 1 with reported injuries
Division 4 (Wytheville - Southwest VA): 4 crashes, 1 with reported injuries
Division 5 (Chesapeake - Hampton Roads): 8 crashes, 1 with reported injuries
Division 6 (Salem - Western VA): 6 crashes, none with reported injuries
Division 7 (Northern VA): 25 crashes, 2 with reported injuries
These numbers highlight the severity of the winter storm's impact, with Northern Virginia seeing the highest number of crashes during this period.
For those who must drive this evening, Virginia State Police have issued several safety recommendations to help reduce the risk of accidents:
Use headlights: Increase your visibility to avoid slick spots and ensure other drivers can see you, especially during poor weather conditions.
Slow down: Adjust your speed to the conditions of the road. Driving slower gives you more time to react to changing conditions and can help you avoid crashes.
Avoid tailgating: Increased stopping distance is crucial on slick roads. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions.
Buckle up: In winter weather, crashes are often caused by vehicles sliding off the road or into guardrails. Wearing a seat belt is one of the best ways to prevent injury in a crash.
Check your vehicle: Make sure your car is in good working order before heading out. Ensure your tires have adequate tread, your windshield wipers are working, and you have enough gas to get through the storm.
Pack an emergency kit: Include a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snacks, cell phone charger, and flashlight in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
As snow and ice continue to affect travel across Virginia, VSP officers are working tirelessly to keep the roads safe and assist drivers in need. While many crashes are minor, the icy conditions have led to several more serious incidents, underscoring the importance of caution.
With temperatures expected to drop further, refreezing is a major concern, especially on bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary roads.
VDOT crews are working to treat the roads, but drivers are strongly encouraged to stay home if possible to allow the agency time to make roads passable.
As the winter storm progresses through the Commonwealth, Virginia State Police continue to monitor conditions and respond to accidents.
The agency remains committed to ensuring the safety of all drivers and will continue to provide updates as conditions change.
For real-time updates and road conditions, residents are advised to visit the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) website or check social media platforms for official information.
In the meantime, Virginia State Police urge all drivers to drive with caution and follow safety recommendations to avoid accidents during this hazardous winter weather.
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