RICHMOND—The first week of July is typically one of the busiest American travel periods of the year. It’s also one of the deadliest.

Seven individuals lost their lives in Virginia traffic crashes during the two-day statistical counting period over last year’s July Fourth holiday, according to data from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Highway Safety Office.

Virginia State Police urge motorists to practice safe, sober and distraction-free driving to avoid becoming a statistic in 2024.

“We are in the height of the summer travel season, so traffic safety should be of the utmost importance for all Virginians,” said Col. Gary T. Settle, state police superintendent. “Excessive speeding, drivers and passengers failing to buckle up, and distracted driving continue to put all at risk traveling on our highways. We need Virginians to put forth the extra effort and comply with speed limits, buckle up and put the phone down, and avoid distractions.”

During 2023’s holiday period, state police investigated 377 total traffic crashes statewide. Troopers cited 2,051 speeders and 980 reckless drivers. They also issued 254 citations to individuals for failing to buckle up, and another 74 citations for improperly secured children.

Virginia troopers cited 124 drivers for being in violation of Virginia’s “hands-free” law that took effect in July 2021. To limit distractions, motorists are advised to program GPS and hands-free devices before departure.

“Pull over to a safe place when you are doing something that will take your eyes or mind off the road,” said Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. senior actuarial manager David Tenembaum. He serves as treasurer for DRIVE SMART Virginia, a nonprofit partner charged with raising awareness and changing behavior to improve roadway safety.

“When free of distractions, a driver can be prepared for the unpredictability of other motorists who may be distracted themselves,” he said.

Arranging sober transportation is another preventable action motorists can take to keep themselves and others safe during the celebratory weekend.

Troopers arrested 36 drivers for operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the July Fourth holiday period last year. DRIVE SMART reported that 4,400 people were injured and 293 were killed as the result of alcohol-related traffic crashes in Virginia during all of 2023.

“With just a few drinks you could be too impaired to safely drive,” Tenembaum noted. “So, designate before you celebrate! Plan to use a rideshare app or designate a sober driver before kicking off the holiday weekend.”

Media: Contact Corinne Geller, VSP public relations director, at 804-263-5547; or Rich Jacobs, DSV, at 804-929-2988.