The Shadow
Salem, Va. (VR) – With temperatures finally warming and Virginians deciding to finally venture venturing out, the Virginia State Police Salem, Appomattox, Chesapeake, and Richmond Divisions will be conducting Operation DISSrupt on all 299 miles of Interstate 64 in Virginia February 5-6. The traffic enforcement and educational safety initiative focuses on Distracted driving, Impaired driving, Speed compliance and Seat belt safety. Preliminary data indicates 46 persons have died in a traffic crash on a Virginia roadway so far this year (as of February 3). In addition, 13 pedestrians have been struck and killed in Virginia between Jan. 1, 2026, and Feb. 3, 2026.
“According to preliminary data, Virginia saw a decrease in traffic fatalities in 2025,” said Captain David Edwards, Commander of the Virginia State Police Salem Field Division. “We want that trend to continue, and by being visible, troopers remind people of the safety measures they need to take do to remain safe while driving.”
Operation DISSrupt focuses on the four key causes of fatal and serious injury crashes across Virginia’s interstate system. The operation’s goal is to achieve zero fatal crashes during designated enforcement periods and to reduce the total number of crashes on our interstates for the calendar year by 10%. During operation DISSrupt, additional troopers will patrol on Interstate 64 across the commonwealth and focus on the following driving behaviors:
- 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 410 lives in 2024 in Virginia*. Simply, drive to save lives.
- Seat Belt Safety: Virginia law requires all occupants of motor vehicles be restrained.
In the coming months, Operation DISS-rupt will focus on Interstate 95, Interstate 81, and Interstate 66.
