Virginia State Police: The Fourth of July brings feasts, fireworks, and parties, but the Virginia State Police (VSP) is asking that it include focus and sobriety as well.
The 2024 summer driving season has gotten off to a deadly start, with preliminary numbers showing 13 fatalities over the Memorial Day holiday, and an additional 25 fatalities in the week following Memorial Day.
“We want to be able to say that this was one of the safest July 4 holidays ever on Virginia’s roads,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, VSP Superintendent. “In order to do that, we are going to need all Virginians to drive sober, avoid distractions, comply with posted speed limits, and buckle up.”
VSP recommends that if you do plan to drink at a July 4th party, plan ahead for a designated driver or make sure you have a rideshare service or taxi handy. Public transportation is also a safe option, if available.
Party hosts are encouraged to serve non-alcoholic drink options and make sure guests do not drink and drive home from their event.
VSP will participate in the Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.), a national program to reduce crashes, fatalities, and injuries from impaired driving, speeding, and not wearing seat belts. The statistical counting period for the Fourth of July begins at 12:01 a.m. on July 3 and ends at midnight on July 7, 2024. VSP will increase patrols, focusing on July 3 and July 7, expected to be the busiest travel days.
During the 2023 Operation CARE initiative, VSP arrested 36 drivers for operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs and cited 2,051 speeders and 980 reckless drivers. 254 citations were issued to individuals for failing to buckle up, and another 74 citations for children not being properly secured in a vehicle. Troopers also cited 124 drivers for violating Virginia’s “hands free” law.
Virginians are also reminded to follow Virginia’s “Move Over” law. State law requires motorists to either move over a lane, or if that is not safe, slow down, for any vehicle on the shoulder with emergency markings such as flares, emergency lights, emergency triangles, or flashing lights.
This story is free to read, but it costs money to bring it to you. If you rely on us for local news and haven’t already, please support us by becoming a member! Join our Locals Only Membership Today!
Recent Stories
A group of curious and creative 10-year-olds is spending the summer building robots, learning to code, and discovering new passions at a hands-on STEM camp in Prince William County.
Two teenagers are in custody, charged with murder after a 19-year-old man was shot and killed Tuesday night at the England Run Apartments in South Stafford.
FOX 5 DC is heading back to Stafford County for another installment of its popular Zip Trip morning show series. The live broadcast will take place on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 7 to 11 a.m. at Embrey Mill Town Center.
A late-night fire engulfed a home near Garrisonville Road, displacing 12 residents and damaging two nearby structures, according to Stafford County Fire and Rescue.
The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Christmas in July
Volunteer Prince William will be holding a fun-filled Christmas in July event at Heritage Brewing Co on July 26th from 12pm until 6pm with all proceeds going to support the 2025 Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket Program. Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
