Increased police patrols on Virginia and West Virginia highways this weekend

Bluefield Daily Telegraph, W.Va.
·2 min read

Jul. 4—Travelers this long Fourth of July weekend can expect extra police patrols on area highways both in West Virginia and Virginia.

The West Virginia State Police Troop 7 Turnpike will be conducting targeted traffic enforcement on the West Virginia Turnpike throughout the week of July 4 and this weekend in an effort to keep motorists safe during the holiday travel.

The West Virginia State Police is reminding everyone traveling the West Virginia Turnpike to be patient on the roadway and at the toll plazas as a high volume of traffic is expected, according to a press release from the West Virginia Parkways Authority.

The 88-mile turnpike extends from Princeton in Mercer County to Charleston in Kanawha County.

While many have already traveled to their destinations, heavy traffic is still expected along the toll road today.

The Parkways Authority is reminding motorists to always use only handsfree devices; obey the posted speed limits; utilize seatbelts; don't drink and drive; pay attention in work zones and move over when you see a Trooper on a traffic stop or a Courtesy Patrol member aiding a stranded motorist.

Troopers will be out on the West Virginia Turnpike enforcing the criminal and traffic laws of the state of West Virginia, investigating crashes and ensuring the safety of the motoring public.

The Virginia State Police are participating in Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E), a state-sponsored, national program intended to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries due to impaired driving, speeding and failing to wear a seat belt. State Police will increase patrols throughout the long holiday week and weekend.

During the 2023 two-day Operation CARE initiative for the July 4 holiday, Virginia troopers arrested 36 drivers for operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs and cited 2,051 speeders and 980 reckless drivers. Troopers issued 254 citations to individuals for failing to buckle up, and another 74 citations for children not being properly secured in a vehicle. Virginia troopers also cited 124 drivers for being in violation of Virginia's "hands free" law. There were seven traffic fatalities.

Virginia motorists are also reminded to follow Virginia's "Move Over" law. State law requires motorists to either move over a lane, or if that is not safe, slow down, for any vehicle on the shoulder with emergency markings such as flares, emergency lights, emergency triangles, or flashing lights.