6 Killed In VA Crashes Over July 4 Weekend: State Police

VIRGINIA — Six people were killed in car crashes over the Fourth of July holiday in Virginia, according to state police.

In a news release, Virginia State Police said that a pedestrian involved in a hit-and-run crash, four drivers and one passenger died in several crashes over a five-day period starting at 12:01 a.m. on July 3 and ending at midnight on July 7.

According to state police, the fatal crashes occurred in the city Richmond and Bedford, Charles City, Henrico and Wythe counties.

The number of fatalities was down one from 2023 when seven people died over the July 4 holiday, police said.

Over the holiday, state police cited 4,044 speeders and 1,868 reckless drivers. Troopers arrested 95 drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Troopers also issued 574 citations to people for failing to buckle up and another 191 citations for children not being properly secured in a vehicle. Finally, Virginia troopers cited 423 drivers for violating Virginia’s hands-free cell phone law.

State police said one driver was stopped on Interstate 495 in Northern Virginia on July 4 after troopers clocked them going 137 mph in a 65 mph zone. A few days earlier, another driver was cited for driving 125 mph on Interstate 64 in Rockbridge County.

“Excessive speeding, drivers and passengers failing to buckle up, and distracted driving continue to put too many at risk traveling on our highways,” Virginia State Police Superintendent Col. Gary T. Settle said in a statement. "Virginia highways are no place for triple-digit speeds. To save lives on our roads, Virginians must put forth the extra effort and comply with posted speed limits."