Virginia State Police: 13 Traffic Fatalities Over Labor Day Weekend

ROANOKE, VA. —- Tragically, 13 people were the victims of fatal traffic accidents over Labor Day Weekend in Virginia, according to an article today from the Roanoke Times, which reported that “half of the traffic crashes involved motorcycles, in which seven motorcycle operators and passengers lost their lives.”

Accidents involving Labor Day motorists occurred in Virginia Beach, Campbell County, Hanover County, James City, Montgomery, Nelson, Pittsylvania, Rockbridge, Scott and Wythe counties. The roads and highways in Southwest Virginia – specifically, Interstate 81 – are the most dangerous in the state according to statistics from the Virginia Department of Transportation. More than 2,000 crashes occur annually on I-81, with 26% involving heavy tractor-trailers.

Col. Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police superintendent, said in a release: “To have lost this many lives to traffic crashes, especially motorcycle riders, in just four days is both disheartening and alarming.” It is unknown if any of the accidents involved alcohol, speed, or other issues that jeopardize highway safety. The State Police did report that traffic fatalities had increased in 2023 over a similar period in 2022 and 2021.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident or motorcycle crash, please know you do not have to face this situation alone. A personal injury attorney can help you recover, hold the at-fault driver accountable, and by asserting your legal rights, make Virginia’s roads safer. At our firm, we offer a free consultation to anyone who needs help after an auto accident, by calling: (540) 523-1633.