Virginia State Police respond to nearly 100 crashes in state, 28 in Richmond following winter storm
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia State Police has responded to more than 400 incidents and nearly 100 crashes in the state as of noon on Saturday following the winter storm. According to Virginia State Police, troopers have responded to 94 crashes in the state, 28 of which were in Richmond, from midnight to noon on Saturday, Jan. 11 while a winter storm passed through the state. Virginia State Police continues to urge drivers to avoid traveling as much as possible to allow the Virginia Department of Transportation the opportunity to make the roads passable. According to state police, anyone who must drive on Saturday is advised to do the following: Use headlights. Increasing your visibility helps you to avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road, as well as helps other drivers see you better. Slow your speed. Though state police work closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation to identify problem areas on Virginia’s highways during a winter storm, drivers still must drive for the conditions. Slowing your speed gives you more time to safely react and avoid a crash. Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control of your vehicle. Don’t tailgate. You need increased stopping distance 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 other vehicles. Wearing your seat belt protects you from being thrown 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, battery life, etc. Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight. State police advise Virginians to only call 911 or #77 in the case of an emergency in order to keep emergency dispatch lines open for those in serious need of police, fire or medical response. For the latest updates about road conditions, call 511 or visit the Virginia Department of Transportation's website.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia State Police has responded to more than 400 incidents and nearly 100 crashes in the state as of noon on Saturday following the winter storm.
According to Virginia State Police, troopers have responded to 94 crashes in the state, 28 of which were in Richmond, from midnight to noon on Saturday, Jan. 11 while a winter storm passed through the state.
Virginia State Police continues to urge drivers to avoid traveling as much as possible to allow the Virginia Department of Transportation the opportunity to make the roads passable.
According to state police, anyone who must drive on Saturday is advised to do the following:
- Use headlights. Increasing your visibility helps you to avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road, as well as helps other drivers see you better.
- Slow your speed. Though state police work closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation to identify problem areas on Virginia’s highways during a winter storm, drivers still must drive for the conditions. Slowing your speed gives you more time to safely react and avoid a crash. Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control of your vehicle.
- Don’t tailgate. You need increased stopping distance 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 other vehicles. Wearing your seat belt protects you from being thrown 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, battery life, etc.
- Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight.
State police advise Virginians to only call 911 or #77 in the case of an emergency in order to keep emergency dispatch lines open for those in serious need of police, fire or medical response.
For the latest updates about road conditions, call 511 or visit the Virginia Department of Transportation's website.
