CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Seven people lost their lives in traffic crashes on Virginia roadways during the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday, according to preliminary data from the Virginia State Police. The crashes, reported during a five-day period from 12:01 a.m. on November 27 to 11:59 p.m. on December 1, occurred in Bath, Culpeper, Page, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Warren, and Wythe counties. This represents a decrease from 11 fatalities in 2023 and a significant drop from 19 deaths in 2022, though officials stressed that in only two of the crashes were victims confirmed to have been wearing seat belts. Troopers also responded to 1,182 crashes statewide during the holiday, 129 of which resulted in injuries.

“Virginia State Police is pleased that we continue to see the number of fatalities decrease, although we want that number at zero,” said Lt. Col. Matt Hanley, Interim Superintendent of Virginia State Police. “However, we still are seeing too many people not buckling up when they are in a vehicle. It can save lives. Please wear a seatbelt and make this a safe rest of the holiday season.”

Virginia State Police ramped up traffic enforcement during the Thanksgiving travel period. Troopers issued 404 citations for seat belt violations and 116 for child restraint violations. Additionally, 77 individuals were arrested for Driving Under the Influence, with one arrest involving drug impairment. Troopers also cited 3,638 drivers for speeding and over 1,700 for reckless driving.

(Funds generated from citations issued by Virginia State Police benefit public school construction, technology upgrades, and teacher retirement through the state’s Literary Fund.)