8 Va. fatalities during Fourth weekend

Preliminary reports indicate that eight people died in separate crashes during the 2014 Fourth of July holiday weekend, one more than were killed in traffic accidents over the 2013 four-day holiday weekend.

In the Virginia State Police’s tally, from 12:01 a.m. Friday (July 4) to midnight Sunday (July 6), four of the fatal crashes involved motorcyclists, all of whom were wearing helmets, in Virginia Beach and in Albemarle, Brunswick and Orange counties. Two of the 2014 victims were operating all-terrain vehicles in crashes that occurred in Montgomery and Richmond counties. A 32-year-old pedestrian was killed in Newport News and a 45-year-old pedestrian was killed in Roanoke. Alcohol was a factor in at least one of the fatalities.

Additionally, troopers arrested 77 impaired drivers and cited 11,712 speeders and 2,673 reckless drivers during the three-day statistical counting period. The Virginia State Police 2014 Fourth of July holiday enforcement efforts also resulted in 832 safety belt violations and 342 child safety seat violations. Troopers responded to a total of 566 traffic crashes statewide.

During the holiday weekend, Virginia State Police participated in Operation Combined Accident Reduction Effort, known as Operation C.A.R.E. The traffic safety initiative is a state-sponsored, national program designed to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries caused by impaired driving, speeding and failure to use occupant restraints.

Funds generated from summonses issued by state police go directly to court fees and the state’s Literary Fund, which benefits public school construction, technology funding and teacher retirement.