Virginia State Police talk safety for Independence Day travel

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – A long weekend of Fourth of July festivities is here, but as it begins, so does congestion on the road.

“Throughout these holidays is when most people get into crashes,” said Virginia State Police Trooper Sgt. Robert Black. “There’s an increase of traffic on the roadways, which means that there will be an increase, and unfortunately, people getting into crashes.”

Sgt. Black said our hometown roads see a lot of traffic during this time of year, especially with heavy construction in Roanoke.

“We’re going to have 75% of our workforce out on the roads, helping to patrol the interstates and main secondary roads to make sure people get to their destination,” he said.

Sgt. Black said safety starts within the car, especially with high traffic. He said it’s crucial to avoid dangerous driving habits over the next few days.

“Most people don’t know that Virginia is a hand-free state,” he said. “So you have to put the phone down. Other mistakes are they didn’t know that it was a reduced speed zone or they simply just didn’t know how fast they were going.”

It’s also important to make smart decisions about if it’s a good time to drive – or pass along the keys.

“If you’re on any intoxicants that will alter you or alter your consciousness, do not drive. It is not worth it,” said Sgt. Black. “It’s not worth it to go to jail. It’s not worth it to have one of us knock on your family members’ door to let them know that you’ve died in a crash. It’s not worth it. Do you not drink and drive. Do you not use drugs and drive.”

Troopers will be out patrolling the roads as part of Operation CARE, an initiative to reduce crashes and injuries from people driving distracted or under the influence as well as those who are speeding.

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