State Police urge motorists to use caution as winter weather continues

As winter conditions remain a concern across the Commonwealth, the Virginia State Police are urging motorists to prepare in advance and use extra caution when traveling.

Virginia State Police will have troopers and supervisors actively monitoring roadway conditions statewide. To help prevent unnecessary crashes, motorists are encouraged to postpone travel when possible and avoid driving until conditions improve.

Virginia State Police (VSP) is urging motorists to closely monitor road conditions and follow guidance from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) before traveling. Drivers are encouraged to check real-time road conditions at https://511.vdot.virginia.gov and to remain alert for VDOT crews actively working to clear roadways. Motorists should give snowplows and VDOT trucks ample space to safely perform their duties.

Since midnight (12:00 a.m) Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, Virginia State Police troopers have responded to a total of 155 crashes statewide. Of those crashes, 11 resulted in injuries. No fatalities have been reported. These figures reflect only incidents investigated by Virginia State Police.

Breakdown by VSP Division:

• Division 1 (Richmond/Central Virginia): 15 crashes, two reported injuries.
• Division 2 (Culpeper – Winchester to Stafford): 6 crashes, none with injuries.
• Division 3 (Appomattox – Central/Western Virginia): 24 crashes, one reported injury.
• Division 4 (Wytheville – Southwest Virginia): 31 crashes, two with injuries.
• Division 5 (Chesapeake – Hampton Roads): 23 crashes, three with injuries.
• Division 6 (Salem – Roanoke Area): 45 crashes, one reported injury.
• Division 7 (Fairfax – Northern Virginia): 11 crashes, two reported injuries.

Virginia State Police offers the following safety tips to reduce the risk of crashes during winter weather:

• Use headlights to improve visibility and help other drivers see your vehicle.
• Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle, including the roof, to prevent it from obstructing your view or creating hazards for other drivers.
• Slow down and drive for conditions. Reduced speeds allow more time to react and help maintain control on slick road surfaces.
• Do not tailgate. Increased stopping distance is required on icy and snow-covered roads.
• Always buckle up. Seat belts reduce the risk of serious injury if your vehicle slides into a guardrail, another vehicle, or off the roadway.
• Check your vehicle before traveling. Ensure tires, windshield wipers, battery, and fluids are in good working order and keep the fuel tank adequately filled.
• Carry emergency supplies, including a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snacks, flashlight, and a phone charger.

Virginia State Police will continue to monitor conditions and respond to incidents as the weather event continues.

Virginians are reminded to only call 911 or #77 on a cell phone in an emergency. Keeping non-emergency calls off these lines ensures emergency resources remain available for those in immediate need.