Virginia State Police to begin increased presence during Thanksgiving holiday

With Virginians expected to hit the roads for the Thanksgiving holiday, and in many cases travel long distances, Virginia State Police are increasing their presence on Virginia’s roads and launching an awareness campaign to promote safe driving habits.

The initiative coincides with the annual "Click It or Ticket" campaign and Mother's Against Drunk Driving's winter holidays DUI-prevention campaign.

Starting Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 12:01 a.m. continuing through Sunday, Dec. 1 at 11:59 p.m., Virginia State Police will be out in force as part of Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort). The increased presence aims to reduce traffic fatalities and accidents during the holiday period.

Last Thanksgiving, half of the 11 traffic fatalities in Virginia involved people who were not wearing a seatbelt.

"Buckling up takes minimal time and is one of the biggest things you can do to ensure that you arrive at your holiday destination safely,” said Lt. Col. Matt Hanley, the interim superintendent of Virginia State Police.

The 2023 Thanksgiving Holiday CARE initiative resulted in numerous citations and arrests, including 4,520 for speeding, 1,840 for reckless driving, 89 for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and 427 for not wearing a seat belt.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Highway Safety Office reported that preliminary data shows 745 traffic fatalities have occurred statewide through Nov. 15 this year, compare to 752 through the same period in 2023.

Virginia State Police urge motorists to buckle up, drive within the speed limit, drive sober, and avoid distractions during this holiday season.