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RICHMOND, Virginia – Six people died in traffic crashes on Virginia highways during this year’s July 4 holiday season. Preliminary reports indicate a pedestrian involved in a hit-and-run, four drivers and a passenger were among the fatalities in Richmond and Bedford, Charles City, Henrico and Wythe counties, with Bedford County recording two fatal crashes.

Virginia State Police launched Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (CARE) to mitigate these tragedies. The state-backed national program aims to reduce traffic incidents caused by drunk driving, speeding and seat belt violations. The program ran for five days, starting at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and ending midnight Sunday.

Virginia State Police Col. Gary T. Settle noted ongoing concerns about high speeds and distracted driving. He noted two extreme speeding incidents, including one on I-495 where a driver was clocked at 137 mph in a 65 mph zone.

Throughout the holiday season, state troopers issued 4,044 speeding tickets, 1,868 reckless driving citations and arrested 95 people for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Additionally, 574 seat belt tickets and 191 child restraint tickets were issued, along with 423 tickets for violating the state’s “hands-free” law.

In total, state police responded to 1,027 traffic accidents and assisted 1,011 motorists during the counting period, reinforcing the need for increased awareness of road safety and compliance with traffic laws.