Video: Virginia's Move Over Law

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Sheriff's Office and State Police to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint Tonight, Friday, May 16

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police will conduct a sobriety checkpoint tonight, Friday, May 16 beginning at 10 p.m. 

“By joining with the Virginia State Police on this sobriety checkpoint, we are working to raise public awareness and discourage impaired driving,” said Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman. “We want drivers to get the message and make the smart choice, don’t drink and drive,” he added.

Members of the Sheriff’s Office Auxiliary Unit and volunteers from the Loudoun Chapter of MADD will assist with the checkpoint.


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If You See Something, Say Something Mobile Reporting App

Virginia 3rd State in Nation to Launch Safety Mobile Application 

The See Something, Send Something mobile reporting app enables suspicious, criminal activity to be captured as a photo or written note and sent to the Virginia State Police.



The application, which can be downloaded at no cost for iPhone and Android phone users, also includes information on what to look for and when to report suspicious activity. The app does not replace 9-1-1 and should not to be used for someone needing immediate police action or to report an emergency.

The app provider, My Mobile Witness, uses patent-pending privacy protection software for safeguarding the integrity of tips and citizens’ personal information. The system allows law enforcement to engage citizens without tracking one’s location or storing personal information.

Submitted tips are immediately removed from the mobile device and purged from the My Mobile Witness system once delivered to the Virginia State Police for analysis.

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VDOT Announces Lane Closures

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has suspended closures in observance of the Independence Day Holiday, starting at noon today, Wednesday, July 3, through noon Friday, July 5. 

The Virginia State Police report that during the 2011 July 4th holiday, 38 percent of the fatal crashes on the nation’s roads involved a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 grams per deciliter or higher. In Virginia last year, 10 percent of the crashes during the July 4th holiday were alcohol-related.

Please drive carefully this July 4th holiday!

Other Upcoming Lane Closures

VDOT also has announced a full closure of I-95 South, at Exit 152, Dumfries Road (Route 234) next Friday and Saturday nights, July 12 and 13 for steel beam installation. And nighttime full road closures of the I-95/395 reversible HOV lanes from Duke Street to Dumfries Road are scheduled to be closed next week Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights. During night time construction hours motorists will be able to access the I-395 HOV lanes north to Washington, D.C. at Seminary Road and Shirlington. All HOV lanes will be open to traffic by 5 a.m.


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Virginia State Police Increase Patrols for Memorial Day

Motorists who anticipate enjoying the extended time off from work by traveling on Memorial Day can expect to see an increase in Virginia State Police troopers on the road.

The additional patrols statewide are part of the annual Operation C.A.R.E., (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries associated with speed, failure to wear seatbelts and impaired driving. The state-sponsored, national program encourages law enforcement agencies to increase its visibility and traffic enforcement efforts on major travel holidays. As a result, state police will boost patrols around the Commonwealth through midnight tonight, Monday, May 27.

Virginia State Police will also continue its active participation in the nationwide Click-It-or-Ticket program, through June 2. The statewide traffic safety initiative is a collaborative effort among law enforcement agencies intended to draw attention to improve seat belt use among adults and increase child safety seat use -- with the ultimate goal of saving lives. During the 2011 May Click-It-Or-Ticket enforcement wave, Virginia State Police troopers issued 1,571 summonses for adults failing to wear safety belts and another 507 summonses for child safety restraint violations.

“By not wearing your seat belt, you are taking a gamble with your life -- so why take that risk?” said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “Statistics have proven that wearing your seatbelt can help save your life or reduce your chance for injuries in a crash. It should be one of the first things you do when you get into a vehicle. Make the right choice, not just during a holiday weekend, but all year long and buckle up, watch your speed, and drive sober and distraction-free.”

The 2012 Operation C.A.R.E. initiative resulted in 11,577 speeders and 2,997 reckless drivers being stopped, and 137 drunk drivers being taken off the road and arrested. State police also investigated a total of 660 traffic crashes. During the 2012 Memorial Day weekend, 11 individuals lost their lives in traffic crashes statewide – at least ten of them were unbuckled. A total of 12 died in Virginia as a result of traffic crashes over the 2011 Memorial Day weekend and 11 people were killed during the 2010 holiday weekend.

As the Memorial Day holiday comes to a close tonight, please remember to drive safely today -- and every day!

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Drive Responsibly and Save Lives This Holiday Weekend

If you're traveling this Labor Day weekend on Virginia's roadways, you can expect to see stepped up enforcement by the Virginia State Police.

Troopers will provide stationary and roving patrols across the state’s highways as the last holiday weekend of the summer season kicks-off. Last year, Virginia experienced a significant spike in traffic deaths during the Labor Day weekend when 16 people lost their lives during the four-day holiday statistical counting period. In 2010 and 2009, a total of 13 people were killed in traffic crashes during the Labor Day holiday weekend.

To enhance the safety of Virginia’s highways this coming weekend, Virginia State Police will have 75 percent of its uniformed workforce participating in the Operation Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.). Operation C.A.R.E. is an annual, state-sponsored, national program designed to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries caused by impaired driving, speeding and failure to use occupant restraints. As a participating agency, Virginia State Police will increase visibility and traffic enforcement efforts throughout the Commonwealth through midnight Monday, Sept. 3, 2012.

“Virginia heads into this extended holiday weekend with 500 lives already lost to traffic crashes in the year 2012,” said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “I encourage all motorists to put forth a concerted effort this weekend to make safe driving a priority, so we can save lives rather than sacrifice them because of an individual’s reckless and deadly driving behaviors.”

In 2011, Virginia State Police arrested 110 drunk drivers during the four-day Labor Day weekend. Troopers cited 7,480 speeders and 2,228 reckless drivers. They also issued 701 safety belt violations and 247 tickets to adults who failed to properly secure their infants and children.

With state police’s stepped up enforcement efforts, drivers are also reminded of Virginia’s Move Over law. Motorists need to comply with the law that has been in effect since 2002. It requires drivers to change to another travel lane or, when not able to, to cautiously pass emergency personnel stopped on the side of the road. The law also applies to emergency response vehicles, highway maintenance vehicles and tow trucks equipped with flashing amber lights.

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Aggressive Driving the Target of Enforecment Effort on Route 9 Starting Tomorrow

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office and the Virginia State Police will combat aggressive driving on Route 9, starting tomorrow, Monday, May 16, through Memorial Day, May 30, targeting aggressive drivers in a continuing effort to promote highway safety and the efficient flow of traffic for Virginia motorists and visitors.

“Given the high volume of traffic and inherently hazardous nature of Route 9, it is imperative that motorists obey all traffic laws,” said Sheriff Simpson. “This enforcement effort is an excellent opportunity to remind drivers of the dangers of driving aggressively while simultaneously enforcing traffic laws.”

State Police and Sheriff’s Office personnel will utilize a variety of tactics including patrol with marked and unmarked police vehicles and checkpoints. Variable message boards will also notify motorists of the campaign.

With the increased presence of deputies and troopers on Route 9 as part of the safety initiative, motorists are reminded to comply with Virginia’s “Move Over” law. The state law requires drivers to change to another travel lane or, when not able to, to cautiously pass emergency personnel stopped on the side of the road.

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Loudoun Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police Announce Route 9 Enforcement Effort

Loudoun County Sheriff Steve Simpson has announced a joint effort with the Virginia State Police to combat aggressive driving on Route 9. From May 16 to May 30, both agencies will target aggressive drivers in a continuing effort to promote highway safety and the efficient flow of traffic for Virginia motorists and visitors.

“Given the high volume of traffic and inherently hazardous nature of Route 9, it is imperative that motorists obey all traffic laws,” said Sheriff Simpson. “As evidenced by the crash last Christmas Eve which took the lives of three men, any loss of control on Route 9 can have tragic consequences. This enforcement effort is an excellent opportunity to remind drivers of the dangers of driving aggressively while simultaneously enforcing traffic laws.”

State Police and Sheriff’s Office personnel will utilize a variety of tactics including patrol with marked and unmarked police vehicles and checkpoints. Variable message boards will also notify motorists of the campaign.

“This concerted enforcement effort is to provide a continuous reminder to motorists on Route 9 of the need to make safe, responsible driving practices a priority,” said 1st Sgt. Alvin Blankenship, Virginia State Police Loudoun Area Office Commander. “Complying with the speed limit, buckling up, not driving distracted, and driving drug and alcohol free are drivers’ best defense towards helping make themselves and Route 9 safer for everyone.”

With the increased presence of deputies and troopers on Route 9 as part of the safety initiative, motorists are reminded to comply with Virginia’s “Move Over” law. The state law requires drivers to change to another travel lane or, when not able to, to cautiously pass emergency personnel stopped on the side of the road.

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New State Police Video for the Holiday Season

During the final month of 2010, Virginia State Police are urging drivers to make sure they hear the ringing of holiday bells instead of the jingling of handcuffs.

To remind motorists once again about making responsible choices while driving, the Virginia State Police have a new video. The public safety message reminds drivers to avoid drunk driving, wear seatbelts and "move over" for emergency workers on the side of the road.



The holidays are particularly deadly due to the high number of drunk drivers on the roads. Impaired driving leads to too many tragic consequences. In 2009, 316 people were killed and another 6,256 persons were injured in alcohol-related traffic crashes across Virginia.

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Virginia State Police Says "Buckle Up" to Save Your Life

Through this Sunday, Nov. 21, the Virginia State Police will join local law enforcement in a statewide, high-visibility Click-It-or-Ticket enforcement effort.

The traffic safety project is an educational and enforcement program aimed at increasing seatbelt use in Virginia with the goal of saving lives. In 2009, Virginia experienced the highest recorded seatbelt use rate at 82 percent. Regrettably, that left another 18 percent of Virginians making the conscious decision to risk their lives by not wearing a seatbelt.

Last year, 333 unbuckled individuals lost their lives in a traffic crash on Virginia’s roads.

Virginia State Police will utilize troopers to participate in the week-long, strict enforcement Click-It-or-Ticket mobilization. As troopers enforce traffic laws, Virginians can expect to see particular attention paid to whether or not a seatbelt is being worn.

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Virginia State Police Step Up Labor Day Enforcement

Motorists traversing the Commonwealth this holiday weekend can expect to see 75-percent of the State Police’s uniformed workforce on patrol statewide. Last year, Virginia experienced a sharp rise in traffic deaths over the Labor Day weekend with 14 people losing their lives during the four-day holiday statistical counting period. Seven were killed in traffic crashes in 2008.

In addition to "Checkpoint Strikeforce," which is a region-wide effort that combines stepped-up enforcement efforts and proactive public education to promote a multi-jurisdictional effort in the fight against drunk driving, the Virginia State Police will engage in the annual Operation C.A.R.E. traffic enforcement campaign. The Operation Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) is a state-sponsored, national program designed to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries caused by impaired driving, speeding and failure to use occupant restraints.

Virginia State Police will increase visibility and traffic enforcement efforts throughout the Commonwealth through midnight Monday, Sept. 6.

In 2009, Virginia State Police arrested 164 drunk drivers during the four-day Labor Day weekend. Troopers also cited 9,398 speeders and 2,587 reckless drivers. They also issued 827 citations for adults who failed to buckle up, and 252 tickets to adults who failed to properly secure their infants and children.

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State Police Operation Air, Land and Speed Traffic-Safety Enforcement Weekend

If you were speeding, driving recklessly or driving impaired on Interstate 81 or 95, then you were one of the thousands of motorists cited during the weekend as part of Virginia State Police’s Operation Air, Land and Speed traffic-safety enforcement effort. The good news, however, is that during the special initiative, there were no fatal traffic crashes reported on either interstate.

On July 17 through July 18, Virginia State Police stopped a total of 3,313 speeders, 628 reckless drivers and 12 drunk drivers between both interstates. A total of 248 safety belt violations were cited, and 15 drug and felony arrests were made by state troopers. The operation yielded 6,264 total summonses and arrests.

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Expect Traffic Stops on Route 7 Near Route 9 This Week, July 12-16

Dominion Virginia Power stringing wires across roadway

Motorists should expect periodic daytime traffic stops for up to 15 minutes on Route 7 just west of the Charles Town/Route 9 interchange July 12-16, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). All lanes of traffic in both directions will be stopped while Virginia Dominion Power crews pull wires across roadways.

The stops will take place Monday between noon and 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., and Friday between 9 a.m. and noon.

Each day, VDOT and Virginia State Police will monitor traffic volumes before stopping traffic for Dominion crews to pull lines across roadways.

Motorists can tentatively expect delays throughout the summer at these times and locations:

• Mid-July: expect periodic stops on Route 7 near the interchange of Route 9.
• Late-July - August: expect periodic stops on the Route 7 Bypass between Dry Mill Road and Route 15.
• August-September: motorists will experience the most delays in this timeframe as workers string lines along Route 7 and the Bypass between Route 15 and River Creek Parkway.

Dominion Virginia Power is building a 12-mile, high-voltage power line from a new substation northwest of Hamilton, near the intersection of Berlin Turnpike and Route 7, to a substation off Cochran Mill Road east of Leesburg. The work requires crews to string electric lines along about nine miles of VDOT roads, crossing them a total of 15 times.

According to a VDOT press release, Route 7 carries about 38,000 vehicles a day near Hamilton and 72,000 vehicles a day through Leesburg.

For more information about Dominion’s project visit www.dom.com and enter “Pleasant View” in the search bar.

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State Police to Enforce Seat Belt Usage

With the summer season in progress, Virginia State Police are reminding all drivers and passengers of the state law that now requires all passengers under the age of 18 to be properly secured.

As of July 1, 2010, Virginia law on seat belt usage for underage passengers riding in a backseat was expanded to include 16 and 17-year-olds. If front seat passengers are riding unbuckled or if persons under age 18 are not properly restrained, it is the driver who can be charged with a safety belt violation.

As of July 1, 2010, in Virginia:

• Children from birth through seven years of age must be safely secured in a child safety restraint (to include booster seats).
• Those passengers between the ages of eight and 17 must wear a seat belt while riding in the backseat and front seat of a vehicle.
• Existing law requires everyone sitting in the front seat of a vehicle to be buckled up.

Throughout the summer months, Virginia State Police will be concentrating on occupant restraint violations through enforcement and education as part of the Click It or Ticket campaign. Statistics show that with the proper use of seat belts, drivers and passengers are 40 percent less likely to be fatally injured during a traffic crash.

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Virginia State Police Encourage a Safe July 4th Holiday

As America prepares to celebrate its 234th birthday, Virginia State Police (VSP) are encouraging motorists to play it safe when planning Independence Day road trips and festivities.

Last year during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, traffic crashes on Virginia’s roadways claimed the lives of nine individuals. State police also arrested 129 impaired drivers during the 2009 holiday weekend.

Read more about the holiday weekend and our roadways in this VSP press release.

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Virginia State Police Step Up Patrols and Click It or Ticket Enforcement Over the Coming Holiday Weekend

Those traveling this holiday weekend can expect to see more Virginia State Police on the roadways statewide as part of the annual Operation C.A.R.E. traffic enforcement campaign (Word document).

The Operation Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) is a state-sponsored, national program designed to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries caused by speeding, impaired driving and failure to use occupant restraints. As a participating agency, State Police will increase its visibility and traffic enforcement efforts throughout the Commonwealth beginning tomorrow, Friday, May 28, at 12:01 a.m. and continuing through midnight, Monday, May 31.

In addition to Operation C.A.R.E., the Virginia State Police is also continuing its active participation in the nationwide Click It or Ticket educational and enforcement effort. The traffic safety project, which runs May 24 through June 6, is aimed at increasing seat belt use in Virginia and ultimately saving lives.

Last year during the holiday weekend, Virginia State Police troopers statewide cited 1,019 seat belt violations. Another 347 summonses were issued for children not being properly secured in either a child safety seat or booster seat.

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Don't Cheat in the HOV... Especially Today! It's HOV Awareness Day

WTOP Radio reports that for the first time ever, police officers from Maryland and Virginia are teaming up for HOV Awareness Day, today, Wednesday, May 5. Officers will be looking for HOV cheaters on Interstates 66, 95, 395 and 270, as well as the Dulles Toll Road and Route 50.

"Those caught cheating run the risk of a heavy punishment. In Maryland, violations earn drivers a $90 fine and one point on their driving records. In Virginia, repeat offenders can face fines as high as $1,000 and three points on their records.

"Virginia police will also be enforcing the state's new "Move Over" law, which requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when passing emergency personnel stopped on the road. People caught violating the law can face fines as high as $2,500 and face up to 12 months in jail." 

During both morning and evening rush hours, police will use moving and stationary detection methods to catch HOV violations.

The Washington Metropolitan area continues to be a national leader in the use of high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes to encourage carpooling. HOV lanes greatly shorten commute times for carpoolers, but they also shorten commute times for everyone else on the road, by reducing the volume of traffic. Learn more about HOV facilities and times on the Commuter Page.

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Prom and Graduation Season Driving Safety Video

As Loudoun County Public Schools prom and graduation season approaches, Loudoun County Traffic thought it'd be a good idea to share this video from the Virginia State Police.




The video was producted specifically for Louisa County High School to encourage safe driving this prom and graduation season, and to stress the importance of never driving impaired and always buckling up, a mock DUI crash was staged April 12 in front of Louisa County High School.

Let's all be extra careful this month as many new drivers are out and about on Loudoun  County roads, especially on graduation days and prom nights.

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Motorcycle Safety Tips from the Virginia State Police and Motorcycle Virginia

There's lot of motorcycle riders in Loudoun County. That's why when we found this video, featuring Virginia State Police Sergeant Dan Jessee, we felt it would be helpful for Loudoun County Traffic readers. The WDBJ TV (Roanoke) video provides important motorcycle safety tips.


Here are some tips for Loudoun County motorcycle riders from Motorcycle Virginia!:

• Position your motorcycle so that other road users can see you. Avoid the car's blind spot. All vehicles, big or small, have blind spots, where other vehicles cannot easily be seen in their mirrors.
• Check your rear vision mirrors and glance over your shoulder before changing lanes or merging.
• Overtake carefully without speeding or swerving too much.
• Ride at a speed that will allow you to deal with the unexpected and allow you to slow down or stop.
• While traveling around curves, ride at the advised speed limit. It is very easy to "come unstuck". In fact, 48% of motorcyclists? fatal crashes occur on curves.
• Be particularly alert at intersections where many motorcycle-motor vehicle crashes occur. Approach intersections cautiously and prepare to stop, even if you have the right of way.
• Wear a Standards Approved helmet when riding. Helmets that are dropped or damaged may not protect you in a crash. Replace them immediately. Do not buy a second hand helmet. Don't ride in the middle of the traffic lane.

Let's all be safe on Loudoun County's roadways, especially as the weather gets warmer and more and more bikers are out enjoying the drive.

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HOV Violators to be Targeted During Tomorrow Morning's Commute

According to InsideNova.com, Virginia State Police will be patrolling during tomorrow morning's (Wednesday) rush hour looking for drivers violating High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) restrictions on Interstates 95 and 395.

The article reports that "Officers will be on the look out for violators — single drivers who use the express lanes — from Dumfries to the Pentagon between 6 and 9 a.m. Troopers will also patrol for drivers who wait on highway shoulders for the HOV restrictions to be lifted at 9 a.m.

"In 2009, police in Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington counties and the City of Alexandria have issued 15,077 HOV violations. That number is up by more than 1,600 more over all last year, according to state police."

HOV lanes are restricted to cars and buses with three or more passengers in them, from 6 to 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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