Virginia State Police dispatch centers received nearly 1,000 calls for service between 12 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Monday, related to the winter storm sweeping through the state.
“Troopers responded to more than 300 traffic crashes and 156 disabled vehicles across the Commonwealth between those hours,” said Corinne N. Geller, Virginia State Police public relations director. The majority of crashes involve damage to vehicles and no injuries. There have been no weather-related traffic deaths reported at this time, Geller said.
Here is a regional breakdown (VSP Division Boundaries Map):
Culpeper Division (includes Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and Stafford): 85 traffic crashes, 37 disabled vehicles out of 195 total calls for service.
Richmond Division: 151 traffic crashes, 22 disabled vehicles out of 230 total calls for service.
Appomattox Division: Due to a technical issue, this division’s crash stats are currently unavailable.
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. If you must travel, please heed the following traffic safety tips:
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 possible, to cautiously pass emergency personnel stopped on the side of the road,” Geller said. State law includes highway maintenance vehicles and tow trucks equipped with flashing amber lights.
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