Fourth Of July Accidents Result In Seven Virginia Deaths | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

According to Virginia State Police, seven motorists were killed on Virginia roadways over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Though seven is certainly too many, it does represent a drop from the 10 deaths that occurred over the same period last year.

Police say three of those killed were motorcyclists, with fatal motorcycle accidents happening in Fauquier County, Prince William County and Hampton, VA. The other four deadly accidents, involving passenger vehicles, took place in Amelia, Brunswick, Carroll and Warren counties.

Though the number of fatal crashes was down this year, the total number of car, truck and motorcycle accidents was still incredibly high. State police say they responded to 795 accidents across the state and issued more than 10,000 tickets to speeding drivers.

Police say the crackdown, part of an enforcement effort known as Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), is an attempt to reduce deadly Virginia car accidents. Officers issued citations to 2,5000 reckless drivers and also arrested 93 people for DUI over the holiday weekend. More than 1,000 drivers were cited for failing to wear a seat belt.

The statistics indicate just how important it is to drive safely over the crowded summer months. With kids out of school and families on the roads heading to the beach and other vacation destinations, the risks of being involved in a serious Virginia car accident increase greatly. It’s important to be patient when out on busy roads and avoid any dangerous distractions. Follow speed limits and other posted laws and you will increase your chance of being safe.

Losing a loved one in an accident is one of the worst things a family can experience. If you have a family member who was senselessly killed by an at-fault driver, you have legal rights that are important to fully understand. The personal injury lawyers at our firm have prepared an article for families going through this terrible trauma. You can view this article, which describes the process of researching your options in a Virginia wrongful death case, here.    

Here’s a video where one of our attorneys shares some important summer safe driving tips:

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