River City, VA – Virginia State Police reported a total of seven fatalities over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, a significant decrease compared to previous years. The data, gathered from November 27 to December 1, indicates that the number of deaths was lower than the 11 fatalities recorded in 2023 and a sharp reduction from the 19 deaths in 2022.
The fatal crashes took place across several counties, including Bath, Culpeper, Page, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Warren, and Wythe. The incident in Warren County, occurring on Thanksgiving Day, involved an off-road ATV crash. This marked a notable part of the weekend’s deadly crashes, as ATV accidents have been a point of concern for safety officials.
State police emphasized the importance of seatbelt use, noting that two of the fatal accidents this year involved victims who were not wearing seatbelts. With the holiday weekend known for increased travel, officials are using this data to remind the public of the critical role seatbelts play in preventing fatalities and reducing injuries in crashes.
The reduction in fatalities comes as Virginia State Police continue their efforts through Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort), an annual program aimed at reducing traffic-related deaths. As part of this initiative, police departments across the state increase their presence on the roads and step up enforcement measures to encourage safer driving during the holiday season. This program is part of a national effort to improve road safety during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Despite the drop in fatalities, officials remain committed to further reducing traffic deaths, stressing that even one loss of life is too many. The Virginia State Police’s continued focus on safety and enforcement underscores the importance of cautious driving, especially during high-traffic holidays.
