Loudoun Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police Announce Route 9 Enforcement Effort

Loudoun County Sheriff Steve Simpson has announced a joint effort with the Virginia State Police to combat aggressive driving on Route 9. From May 16 to May 30, both agencies will target aggressive drivers in a continuing effort to promote highway safety and the efficient flow of traffic for Virginia motorists and visitors.

“Given the high volume of traffic and inherently hazardous nature of Route 9, it is imperative that motorists obey all traffic laws,” said Sheriff Simpson. “As evidenced by the crash last Christmas Eve which took the lives of three men, any loss of control on Route 9 can have tragic consequences. This enforcement effort is an excellent opportunity to remind drivers of the dangers of driving aggressively while simultaneously enforcing traffic laws.”

State Police and Sheriff’s Office personnel will utilize a variety of tactics including patrol with marked and unmarked police vehicles and checkpoints. Variable message boards will also notify motorists of the campaign.

“This concerted enforcement effort is to provide a continuous reminder to motorists on Route 9 of the need to make safe, responsible driving practices a priority,” said 1st Sgt. Alvin Blankenship, Virginia State Police Loudoun Area Office Commander. “Complying with the speed limit, buckling up, not driving distracted, and driving drug and alcohol free are drivers’ best defense towards helping make themselves and Route 9 safer for everyone.”

With the increased presence of deputies and troopers on Route 9 as part of the safety initiative, motorists are reminded to comply with Virginia’s “Move Over” law. The state law requires drivers to change to another travel lane or, when not able to, to cautiously pass emergency personnel stopped on the side of the road.

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