Richmond, VA — In an effort to curb traffic crashes and enhance roadway safety, the Virginia State Police will conduct a statewide enforcement initiative along Interstate 95 this weekend. Operation DISS-rupt, set for Sunday, Dec. 15 and Monday, Dec. 16, aims to reduce the risk of accidents by targeting the leading causes of crashes: distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and seat belt violations.
The operation will span the entire 179 miles of I-95 in Virginia, with multiple divisions of the state police, including the Richmond Division, participating in the crackdown. This initiative comes amid growing concerns over traffic fatalities, with preliminary data revealing that 774 people have died in traffic-related incidents on Virginia’s roadways as of Dec. 1, 2024.
According to Captain Ted Jones, commander of the Virginia State Police Richmond Division, the primary goal of Operation DISS-rupt is to achieve zero deadly crashes during the designated enforcement periods. The operation also aims to reduce overall crashes on Virginia’s interstates by 10% for the remainder of the calendar year.
“This initiative is about encouraging motorists to stay focused and be fully present behind the wheel, especially during the busy holiday season,” Captain Jones said. “Distracted driving is a preventable risk, and we’re asking drivers to make the safety of themselves and others their top priority.”
Virginia State Police will be focusing on four critical areas known to contribute to serious and fatal crashes on the state’s roadways:
- Ditch Distractions: Virginia’s hands-free law prohibits drivers from holding personal communication devices while operating a vehicle. Drivers are permitted to use GPS and make phone calls, but only if the device is not in hand. Troopers will be on the lookout for drivers who violate this law.
- Never Drive Impaired: Impaired driving remains a leading cause of crashes and fatalities. The operation will target drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as those driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) below the legal limit but still impaired. Officers will be working to identify and stop impaired drivers to prevent accidents.
- Comply with Speed Limits: Speeding is another major factor in traffic fatalities. With speed limits on Virginia’s interstates capped at 70 mph, state police will monitor compliance, particularly in areas prone to speeding-related incidents. In 2022, speed-related crashes were responsible for 441 fatalities in Virginia alone.
- Seat Belt Safety: Virginia law mandates that all front-seat passengers must be restrained, and all passengers under the age of 18 must be properly secured in a child safety seat or seat belt, regardless of their seating position. The operation will enforce these laws to encourage safer driving behavior.
This is not the first time the Virginia State Police have implemented Operation DISS-rupt. A similar initiative was held on Interstate 64 in April 2024, where police cited 218 drivers for speeding, 32 for distracted driving, and 74 for reckless driving. The operation proved successful in raising awareness and reducing risky driving behavior, and officials hope to replicate those results along I-95.
With the holiday season approaching, officials are emphasizing the importance of responsible driving. With more drivers on the road for holiday travel, authorities urge motorists to avoid distractions, stay sober, follow speed limits, and always wear their seat belts.
“While we’re out there enforcing these laws, we also want to remind everyone that these are simple actions that can save lives,” Captain Jones said. “Driving safely is not just about following the law—it’s about protecting yourself and others on the road.”
As Virginia State Police work to reduce crashes and fatalities on I-95, drivers are urged to remain alert and make safety their top priority this weekend and beyond.
