Virginia State Police troopers have been busy this morning responding to traffic crashes and disabled vehicles across the Commonwealth. WFIR’s Velvet Hall has details:
Full Virginia State Police News Release:
Virginia State Police troopers have responded to more than 300 traffic crashes across the Commonwealth between 12:00 a.m. Monday (March 3) and 10:30 a.m. Monday. In addition, troopers have responded to 156 disabled vehicles. Since midnight, state police dispatch centers have fielded close to 1,000 total calls for service. The majority of crashes involve damage to vehicles and no injuries. There have been no weather-related traffic deaths reported at this time.
As of 11:15 a.m., Virginia State Police have 104 pending traffic crashes.
Regional Breakdown for Crash Stats: (To determine VSP Division boundaries: http://www.vsp.virginia.gov/Office_Locations.shtm)
Richmond Division: 151 traffic crashes, 22 disabled vehicles out of 230 total calls for service
Culpeper Division: 85 traffic crashes, 37 disabled vehicles out of 195 total calls for service
Appomattox Division: Due to a technical issue, we are unable to tally this Division’s crash stats. As soon as this data becomes available, I’ll send it out.
Wytheville Division: 11 traffic crashes, 20 disabled vehicles out of 119 total calls for service
Chesapeake Division: 8 traffic crashes, 18 disabled vehicles out of 144 total calls for service
Salem Division: 12 traffic crashes, 18 disabled vehicles out of 105 total calls for service
Fairfax Division: 65 traffic crashes, 41 disabled vehicles out of 200 total calls for service
Motorists are still advised to stay off the roads as the storm continues to move across the Commonwealth. However, if you do have to travel, then please heed the following traffic safety tips:
Driving Tips in Inclement Weather
- State law requires headlights to be on when windshield wipers are in active use
- Completely clear all windows and head/taillights of snow/ice before traveling
- Add extra time to reach travel destination
- Slow your speed for road conditions
- Increase driving distances between vehicles for increased stopping distance
- Do not tailgate snow plows or sand trucks
- Always Buckle up and ensure your passengers are buckled up as well
- Do not drive distracted
- If your vehicle begins to hydroplane steer your vehicle in the direction you want your vehicle to go
- Brake and accelerate lightly
- Plan ahead before you travel by calling 511 for road conditions or click on http://www.511virginia.org – Do not call 911 or #77, as these are for emergency calls only
- Have a charged cell phone and extra blankets, water, snacks in case your vehicle becomes disabled
- Know your location to give to an emergency dispatcher to include the direction of travel in case you need emergency response. Use exit numbers or mile markers when on the interstate as points of reference (For example, Interstate 95 northbound at the 80 mile marker.)
Motorists are also reminded to comply with Virginia’s “Move Over” law, which requires drivers to change to another travel lane or, when not able to, to cautiously pass emergency personnel stopped on the side of the road. State law includes highway maintenance vehicles and tow trucks equipped with flashing amber lights.
