VSP urges safe driving on July 4th, new seatbelt laws in effect

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With the Fourth of July weekend quickly approaching, traffic is expected to pick up, and Virginia State Police is urging drivers to practice patience and safe driving methods over the holiday weekend.

As of June 30, preliminary data from Virginia State Police shows there has been 337 fatalities on state roadways, and as a result, VSP is asking drivers to be patient while driving this holiday weekend.

“Virginia roads are expected to be very crowded this upcoming weekend, with people heading out on vacations, or to parties, or to see fireworks,” said Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police.  “We want everyone to be able to enjoy the holiday, so please slow down, focus on the roads, drive sober, buckle up, and be patient so that everyone gets to their destination safely.”

This week, the law changed in Virginia where now all vehicle passengers are required to wear a seatbelt, no matter what age or where they are seated in the vehicle.

VSP advises that if you plan to drink during Fourth of July festivities, to plan ahead and arrange for a designated driver or rideshare for safety.

According to VSP, the department will be working alongside law enforcement from around the country for Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E), which is a national program to decrease crashes, fatalities and injuries due to impaired driving, speeding and failure to wear a seatbelt.

The statistical counting period for troopers to increase patrols for Fourth of July weekend begins at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 7 -- the busiest travel days.

From the 2024 Operation Care initiative on the Fourth of July holiday, troopers arrested 95 drivers for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In addition, there were 4,044 speeders cited and 1,868 reckless drivers cited.

Last year, a total of 574 citations were issued for failure to buckle up, 191 citations were given for children not being properly secured, and 423 citations given for violating the "hands free" law. During the 2024 holiday, VSP investigated a total of 1,027 traffic crashes statewide and helped 1,011 disabled or stranded drivers in the statistical period.