15 die on Virginia roads during July 4 weekend

Virginia State Police say 15 people lost their lives in 14 crashes across the Commonwealth during the Independence Day holiday travel period.

Preliminary figures show the fatal crashes occurred between July 2nd and July 5th in Alleghany, Appomattox, Brunswick, Fauquier, Frederick, Nottoway, Pulaski, Roanoke, Shenandoah, Smyth, Spotsylvania, Suffolk, and Danville. Frederick County recorded two fatal crashes during the four-day period.

Among the deadliest incidents was a head-on collision in Smyth County on July 3rd that claimed two lives. On July 5th, a motorcyclist was killed in Frederick County after allegedly fleeing a Virginia State Police trooper while speeding on Interstate 81.

Investigators say at least four of the victims were not wearing seatbelts, and speeding was a contributing factor in at least four of the fatal crashes.

State Police also report troopers issued more than 3,100 speeding citations, over 1,500 reckless driving summonses, 70 DUI arrests, nearly 500 seatbelt violations, and 133 citations for improper child restraints during the holiday enforcement campaign. Authorities responded to nearly 900 crashes statewide.

Lieutenant Colonel Todd Taylor with the Virginia State Police Bureau of Field Operations says many of the lives lost could have been saved if drivers had buckled up, obeyed speed limits, avoided distractions, and never driven under the influence.