Category: News Release

Virginia experienced a 53% decrease in the number of fatal traffic crashes over the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday.  Preliminary data indicates nine people lost their lives over the five-day holiday statistical counting period, compared to 19 fatalities in 2022.*   In a majority of the crashes, those who died were not wearing a seat belt.

Thanksgiving traditionally marks the start of the winter holiday travel season.  For many Virginians, this means hitting the roads, and in some cases, travelling long distances to share time, and turkey, with loved ones. Wanting everyone to enjoy this holiday with family and friends, the Virginia State Police is reminding drivers and their passengers to always buckle up.

On Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, the Commonwealth graduated its 139th generation of Virginia State Troopers. The 31 new state troopers were presented their diplomas during commencement exercises at the State Police Training Academy located in Chesterfield County.

Statewide technology upgrades to the Virginia State Police emergency dispatch telephone systems have resulted in the non-emergency phone numbers for each of the Department’s seven field divisions to change. The new phone numbers are being phased in by division now through the end of October 2023.

Thirteen individuals died in 10 traffic crashes over the 2023 Labor Day holiday weekend in Virginia, according to preliminary reports. Half of the traffic crashes involved motorcycles, in which seven motorcycle operators and passengers lost their lives.

Labor Day weekend may traditionally signal an end to the summer season, but it certainly does not mean an end to the need for Virginians to still make traffic safety a priority.

Preliminary data indicates five individuals lost their lives in four traffic crashes during the 48-hour statistical counting period designated for the July 4, 2023, holiday.

With the Fourth of July falling on a Tuesday this year, many Virginians are preparing for a long holiday weekend. Virginia State Police is encouraging everyone to add smart, safe and sober driving to those celebratory travel plans.  

Virginia’s official and only comprehensive report on local and statewide crime figures for 2022, titled “Crime in Virginia,” is now publicly available on the Virginia State Police website.

The 2023 Memorial Day weekend proved deadly for nine drivers and passengers, to include four motorcyclists.* The holiday statistical counting period began Friday, May 26, 2023, at 12:01 a.m. and concluded at midnight Monday, May 29, 2023.