As snow, sleet and rain continue to fall across various regions of Virginia today, Virginia State Police troopers continue to respond to traffic crashes and disabled vehicles caused by motorists driving too fast for conditions. State police is still asking people to avoid driving, unless absolutely unnecessary. The drive is not worth the risk of a crash, getting stuck, injury to your/passenger, or the cost of a repair.
State police have responded to 313 traffic crashes and aided 277 disabled/stuck motorists since 12:01 a.m. Monday (Jan. 3) through 10:30 a.m. Monday (Jan. 3). The majority of those crashes have involved only damage to vehicles. There have been no reported fatalities at this time.
As of 10:30 a.m. Monday (Jan. 3), state police are currently responding to 137 traffic crashes and 119 disabled/stuck vehicles across the state.
State police is still on the scene of a jackknifed tractor-trailer blocking the westbound lanes on Interstate 64 at the 168 mile marker in Goochland County. There were no injuries and the tractor-trailer is hauling 18,000 lbs of plastic furniture.
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From 12:01 a.m. through 10:30 a.m. Monday, Virginia State Police have responded to:
Richmond Division: 52 Disabled Vehicles & 108 Traffic Crashes
Culpeper Division: 37 Disabled Vehicles & 16 Traffic Crashes
Appomattox Division: 45 Disabled Vehicles & 43 Traffic Crashes
Wytheville Division: 56 Disabled Vehicles & 31 Traffic Crashes
Chesapeake Division: 11 Disabled Vehicles & 30 Traffic Crashes
Salem Division: 41 Disabled Vehicles & 48 Traffic Crashes
Fairfax Division: 43 Disabled Vehicles & 33 Traffic Crashes
If you must travel during the storm:
– Know Before You Go! Before heading out, check Virginia road conditions at www.511virginia.org or download the VDOT 511 app.
– Clear ALL snow and ice from the roof, trunk, hood and windows of your vehicle – car, SUV, minivan, pickup truck, commercial vehicle – before you travel.
– Use your headlights – in rain AND snow.
– Drive for conditions – slow your speed and increase your traveling distance between the vehicle ahead of you.
– Buckle Up.
– Avoid distractions – put down the phone.
– Do not call 911 or #77 for road conditions. Please keep these lines open for emergency calls.
A winter storm is hitting the region, closing government offices and schools. The Lynchburg area is expected to receive 4 – 6″ of snow. It should taper off by noon.
VDOT crews have been treating the roads and are reminding motorists about these winter weather driving tips:
Give crews time to treat roads.
· If you must travel during adverse weather conditions:
· Allow plenty of time to reach your destination
· Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you
· Brake very lightly to keep your tires from slipping on pavement
· Do not pass snowplows
· Visit 511Virginia.org for the latest road conditions before traveling. If possible, avoid travel until precipitation stops and road conditions improve.
For more information on winter weather travel, visit virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp.