Hampton Roads, Va. Seven people died in vehicle crashes over the Fourth of July Holiday weekend in Virginia.
Three of them were motorcyclists, including a man in Hampton.
The three motorcycle crashes occurred in Fauquier County, Prince William County and the Hampton. The remaining four fatal crashes occurred in Amelia, Brunswick, Carroll and Warren counties, according to Virginia State Police.
The number of traffic deaths dropped from 10 during the 2012 Independence Day holiday weekend.
Virginia State Police stepped up patrols and enforcement as part of Operation C.A.R.E. The annual, nationwide, state-sponsored program, otherwise known as Operation Combined Accident Reduction Effort.
From Thursday through Sunday, State police responded to 795 total traffic crashes statewide and also stopped and cited 10,454 speeding motorists across the Commonwealth.
A total of 2,524 reckless drivers were cited and 93 drunken drivers were taken off the highways. Troopers cited 1,044 adults for failing to buckle up and another 334 adults for failing to safely secure their children in infant, child or booster seats.
“With summer in full swing, state police cannot emphasize enough the importance of safe driving – no matter what kind of vehicle one is operating,” said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “The Commonwealth is a popular summer destination for many within and outside our state, which means an increased volume in traffic on highways and rural routes. Commercial, passenger and motorcycle traffic must mutually share the road with one another. Patience, driving distraction free, and complying with posted speed limits are imperative to the safety of every adult and child riding on our roads.”
