The Virginia State Police Fairfax, Culpeper, Richmond, and Chesapeake Divisions are conducting Operation DISSrupt on all 179 miles of Interstate 95 in Virginia today. The iniative started on Thursday.The traffic enforcement and educational safety initiative focuses on Distracted driving, Impaired driving, Speed compliance and Seat belt safety. A primary goal of this initiative is to prevent any fatal crashes from occurring on the interstate during the enforcement time period.
January 10-11 State Police conducted a similar operation on Interstate 95 in Virginia. State Troopers cited 120 drivers for reckless driving, 117 drivers for speeding, 33 drivers for violating Virginia’s “Hands Free” law, and 25 drivers and passengers for seatbelt violations (one improperly restrained child). There were no fatal crashes along the interstate during the enforcement period.
Virginia State Police also recorded no fatal crashes during the “I-95 Drive to Save Lives” April 19-21.
Operation DISS-rupt targets the four key causes of fatal and serious injury crashes across Virginia’s interstate system. The operation’s goal is to achieve zero fatal crashes during designated enforcement periods and to reduce the total number of crashes on our interstates for the calendar year by 10%:
• Ditch Distractions: Virginia has a “Hands-Free” law that prohibits a driver from holding a handheld personal communications device while driving. GPS and making phone calls are still legal, as long as the device is mounted and/or not in your hands.
• Never Drive Impaired: Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal in Virginia. Even buzzed driving is drunk driving. Always designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride-hailing service.
• Comply with Speed Limits: Posted speed limits on Virginia interstates never exceed 70 mph. So, neither should your speed. Simply, drive to save lives.
• Seat Belt Safety: Virginia law requires all front seat occupants of motor vehicles be restrained, and any passenger from birth to 18 years old be properly restrained in an appropriate child safety seat or seat belt, no matter their seating position.
