Virginia State Police Step Up Labor Day Enforcement

Motorists traversing the Commonwealth this holiday weekend can expect to see 75-percent of the State Police’s uniformed workforce on patrol statewide. Last year, Virginia experienced a sharp rise in traffic deaths over the Labor Day weekend with 14 people losing their lives during the four-day holiday statistical counting period. Seven were killed in traffic crashes in 2008.

In addition to "Checkpoint Strikeforce," which is a region-wide effort that combines stepped-up enforcement efforts and proactive public education to promote a multi-jurisdictional effort in the fight against drunk driving, the Virginia State Police will engage in the annual Operation C.A.R.E. traffic enforcement campaign. The Operation Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) is a state-sponsored, national program designed to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries caused by impaired driving, speeding and failure to use occupant restraints.

Virginia State Police will increase visibility and traffic enforcement efforts throughout the Commonwealth through midnight Monday, Sept. 6.

In 2009, Virginia State Police arrested 164 drunk drivers during the four-day Labor Day weekend. Troopers also cited 9,398 speeders and 2,587 reckless drivers. They also issued 827 citations for adults who failed to buckle up, and 252 tickets to adults who failed to properly secure their infants and children.

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