Eleven dead in traffic accidents in Virginia on Memorial Day weekend, one in Hampton

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Deadly crashes continue to occur over the Memorial Day weekend. Last weekend, 11 people were killed in nine crashes across Virginia, including one in Hampton, Virginia State Police said.

There were two double fatalities in Goochland and Henry counties and single fatalities in Hampton, Craig, Dinwiddie, Fairfax, Franklin and Lynchburg. A fatal motorcycle crash occurred in Lynchburg on May 26. A pedestrian was killed in Fairfax County on May 24. Two separate fatal crashes occurred in Dinwiddie County during the four-day holiday statistical counting period.

“Our goal for every major holiday travel weekend is to have zero fatalities on our highways,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, superintendent of the Virginia State Police. “Eleven lives is far too many. If we want drivers to be safe this summer, we need to watch their speed, buckle up, drive sober and stay focused on the road.”

As part of Operation CARE (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort), all available Virginia State Police patrol officers and supervisors were on patrol over the 2024 holiday weekend. Patrol officers cited over 3,500 drivers for speeding and over 1,400 drivers for reckless driving. 92 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI/DUID). Virginia State Patrol Officers also cited 303 drivers for violating the hands-free device law.