Winter storm traffic: 13 crashes, two with injuries reported in area

Virginia State PoliceVirginia State Police is encouraging drivers to pay attention to messaging from the Virginia Department of Transportation, and check road conditions at https://511.vdot.virginia.gov before heading out.  Also, be aware that VDOT trucks will be working to clear the roads.  Please give them enough space in order for them to do their jobs.
Since Midnight (12:00 a.m. on Dec. 5, 2025) there have been a total of 141 crashes statewide.  20 have resulted in injuries.  There have been no fatalities.
Div. 1 (Richmond area/Central Virginia):  Contact Sgt. Jess Shehan 
Div. 2 (Culpeper Division – Winchester to Stafford): 15 crashes, four with injuries
Div. 3 (Appomattox Division – central/western Va.): 30 crashes, two with injuries
Div.4 (Wytheville Division – SW Va.):  13 crashes, two with injuries.
Div. 5 (Chesapeake Division – Hampton Roads): 12 crashes, one with injury
Div. 6 (Salem Division/Roanoke Area):  Contact Sgt. Rick Garletts 
Div. 7 (Fairfax Division/NOVA): ten crashes, two with injuries.
In addition, Virginia State Police offers these tips to reduce the potential for crashes on the road:
  • Use headlights. Increasing your visibility helps you to avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road, as well as helps other drivers see you better.
  • Please clear all of the snow off of your vehicle.  This prevents snow from blowing back onto your vehicle and limiting your vision, or coming off of your vehicle and impacting other drivers’ vision.
  • Slow your speed. Though state police works closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to identify problem areas on Virginia’s highways during a winter storm, drivers still must drive for conditions. Slowing your speed gives you more time to safely react and avoid a crash. Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control of your vehicle.
  • Don’t tailgate. You need increased stopping distance on slick road surfaces. Give yourself more space between vehicles traveling ahead of you to avoid rear end collisions.
  • Buckle Up. Most crashes that occur during winter weather are caused by vehicles sliding into guardrails, off the road or other vehicles. Wearing your seat belt protects you from being thrown around the inside of your vehicle and suffering serious injury in a crash.
  • Check Your Vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order for the conditions. Fill up the tank in advance. Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire tread, battery life, etc.
  • Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight.