State troopers see nearly 300 crashes across Virginia during snowstorm

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- State troopers have worked nearly 300 crashes across Virginia as the second snowstorm of the season continues.

Between midnight and 7:45 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, Virginia State Police has responded to 290 crashes statewide amid ongoing wintry weather.

While none of those crashes have been deadly, 20 resulted in injuries.

Of those crashes, nearly 70 took place in Central Virginia. Six of them resulted in injuries.

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As of 4 p.m., state police had worked 155 crashes statewide -- meaning there have been more than 130 additional crashes in less than four hours.

Even once the snow stops falling, roads will still remain hazardous, as an overnight refreeze is expected. Virginians are strongly encouraged to stay off the roads until the roadways have been treated again, per the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

If you must drive, you should use extreme caution. Here are some tips from state police on how to stay safe:

• Check your vehicle before you get behind the wheel. Ensure that your vehicle is in good working condition. Examples of things to check include your windshield wipers and their fluid, your tire tread and your battery. Fill up your gas tank ahead of time.
• Clear all snow off your vehicle before driving. Snow can blow back onto your or others’ vehicles, impacting your or their vision.
• Be prepared for emergencies. Make sure you have a window scraper, a blanket, bottled water, a snack, a cell phone charger and a flashlight.
• Buckle up. Most winter weather-related crashes involve vehicles sliding into guardrails, into another vehicle or off the road. If you have your seatbelt on, you are protected from being thrown around or out of your vehicle, which could cause serious injury.
• Use your headlights. Having your headlights on increases your visibility while also making it easier for others to see you.
• Take it slow. Driving more slowly gives you more time to react if you start to skid or spin out. Those precious seconds can be the difference between crashing and safely recovering control of your vehicle.
• Don’t tailgate. By giving other vehicles more space, you and others have more time and space to react and stop when needed.

You can check road conditions before you get behind the wheel via Virginia 511. You can do so online, using VDOT's free 511 app or by calling 511.

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State police ask that you only call 911 or dial #77 in the event of an emergency.

"Keeping non-emergency calls off these lines ensures emergency resources remain available for those in immediate need," state police said.