CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Chesterfield Police recently conducted a targeted traffic enforcement operation along Chippenham Parkway to address safety concerns, following the success of a similar initiative on Hull Street Road in December. The department’s efforts aim to curb dangerous driving behaviors and promote safer roads for everyone.
The decision to focus on Chippenham Parkway came in response to community feedback, with many drivers selecting the busy thoroughfare as a location for increased enforcement. Officer Devante Waller, a member of the traffic safety team, explained that speeding has become a persistent issue on the parkway, where drivers frequently exceed the 60 mph speed limit. According to Waller, it is not uncommon to witness speeds well over 100 mph, with the highest recorded speed reaching 112 mph.
“Traffic on Chippenham is always fast, day and night,” Officer Waller said. “At some point, you’ll find someone speeding excessively. It’s a regular problem.”
The operation targeted a variety of offenses, including speeding, reckless driving, seat belt violations, impaired driving, and cellphone use behind the wheel. Waller stressed the importance of slowing down to prevent accidents and ensure everyone gets to their destination safely. Within minutes of beginning his patrol, Waller pulled over a driver traveling nearly 30 mph over the speed limit near the Route 1 exit.
As a former fatal crash investigator, Waller has seen firsthand the devastating impact of reckless driving on families. The emotional toll of informing loved ones about a fatal crash is something Waller knows all too well, and he hopes the enforcement efforts will encourage drivers to make safer choices.
“I don’t think anyone leaves home intending to be in a crash,” Waller said. “You never know when it’s going to happen, and that’s why we’re out here—to prevent it.”
Waller also noted that officers do not receive extra compensation for issuing tickets, emphasizing that the primary goal of these operations is to save lives, not to generate revenue. The department’s focus is on encouraging safer driving behaviors to reduce the risk of accidents.
With St. Patrick’s Day celebrations expected to bring an increase in travel and potential for impaired driving, Chesterfield Police are reminding drivers to wear seat belts, avoid speeding, and refrain from drinking and driving. The department’s continued traffic enforcement efforts serve as a reminder that safety on the roads requires attention from both law enforcement and the community.
