Virginia State Police investigates 181 crashes as winter storm begins
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia State Police has investigated a total of 181 crashes across the state as the first winter storm of the year moved into the Commonwealth. From 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5 until midnight, state police responded to 181 crashes throughout the state, 20 with reported injuries. From midnight to 5 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 6, state police responded to 13 crashes in the Richmond area, one with reported injuries. State police also responded to three crashes in the Appomattox area during that time period, none with injuries. There have been no deadly crashes reported so far. In anticipation of the storm's impact, state police has put more troopers on the roads in 12-hour shifts. State police has also urged drivers in Virginia to follow the recommendations released by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in regard to driving during the storm: Use headlights -- increasing visibility helps to avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road, as well as helping other drivers see you better. Slow your speed -- state police works closely with VDOT to identify problem areas on the roads, drivers still must drive for conditions. Slowing your speed gives you more time to safely react and avoid crashing. Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control of your vehicle. Don't tailgate -- increased stopping distance is needed 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 into other vehicles. Wearing a seatbelt protects you from being through 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 and battery life, etc. Don't leave home without -- a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight.
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia State Police has investigated a total of 181 crashes across the state as the first winter storm of the year moved into the Commonwealth.
From 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5 until midnight, state police responded to 181 crashes throughout the state, 20 with reported injuries.
From midnight to 5 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 6, state police responded to 13 crashes in the Richmond area, one with reported injuries. State police also responded to three crashes in the Appomattox area during that time period, none with injuries.
There have been no deadly crashes reported so far.
In anticipation of the storm's impact, state police has put more troopers on the roads in 12-hour shifts.
State police has also urged drivers in Virginia to follow the recommendations released by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in regard to driving during the storm:
- Use headlights -- increasing visibility helps to avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road, as well as helping other drivers see you better.
- Slow your speed -- state police works closely with VDOT to identify problem areas on the roads, drivers still must drive for conditions. Slowing your speed gives you more time to safely react and avoid crashing. Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control of your vehicle.
- Don't tailgate -- increased stopping distance is needed 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 into other vehicles. Wearing a seatbelt protects you from being through 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 and battery life, etc.
- Don't leave home without -- a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight.
