CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Virginia State Police's Chesapeake, Richmond, Appomattox, and Salem Divisions will conduct "Operation DISS-rupt" along Interstate 64 in Virginia on Wednesday and Thursday.
Troopers will patrol Interstate 64 across the Commonwealth and focus on distracted driving behaviors. The traffic safety initiative addresses distracted driving, impaired driving, speed compliance, and seat belt safety.
According to preliminary data retrieved by VSPD, 126 people have died in a traffic crash on a Virginia roadway so far this year. Additionally, four pedestrians have been hit and killed on Virginia interstates between Jan. 1, 2024, and March 12, 2024.
“This initiative is about getting back to the basics of traffic safety,” said Captain Gregory T. Mathias, Virginia State Police Chesapeake Division Commander. “We are challenging motorists to help DISS-rupt the dangerous driving behaviors that put them at risk."
Operation Diss-rupt's goal is to achieve zero fatal crashes during designated enforcement periods and reduce the total number of crashes on Interstate 64 for the year by 10%.
VSPD advises travelers to:
- Ditch Distractions: Virginia is “Hands-Free” which prohibits drivers from holding personal communications devices while driving. The use of GPS and phone calls are legal, as long as the device is 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, use public transportation or a ride-sharing service.
- Comply with Speed Limits: Posted speed limits on Virginia interstates never exceed 70 mph. So, neither should your speed. Speed-related crashes claimed 441 lives in 2022 in Virginia. 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.
In the coming months, Operation DISS-rupt will focus on Interstate 95, Interstate 81, and Interstate 66.