Virginia State Police reports 7 deaths over Memorial Day weekend

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Seven people were killed in crashes on Virginia roadways during this year's Memorial Day Holiday weekend, according to a report from Virginia State Police.

Preliminary data shared by state police shows that seven people died in crashes over the holiday weekend, spanning from Friday, May 23, to Sunday, May 25.

Although this is a decrease from last year -- with 13 people killed in crashes during the same period in 2024 -- state police warn Virginia drivers to be mindful of the 25 road fatalities that were investigated the week after the 2024 Memorial Day holiday.

According to state police, the deadly crashes that occurred over the Memorial Day weekend were in Bedford, Buckingham, Caroline, Fauquier and Spotsylvania counties, as well as the cities of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.

“Our goal remains to see a holiday weekend where there are no fatal crashes,” said Col. Matthew Hanley, the superintendent for 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.”

As a part of Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort), all state troopers were on patrol this past holiday weekend. Over 3,300 drivers were cited for speeding and 1,500 drivers were cited for reckless driving. Troopers also cited 405 drivers for violating Virginia's "hands-free" law for phones.

In addition, the state is participating in the annual "Click It or Ticket" seat belt safety initiative, during which state police issued 506 seat belt violations and 122 child restraint citations.

A release from Virginia State Police stated the funds that are generated from the summons issued by troopers go directly towards court fees and the state's Literary Fund for public school construction, technology funds and teacher retirement.