The Shadow
RICHMOND, Va. (VR) – Virginia State Police are reminding drivers and pedestrians of the rules of the road after 10 people died in eight crashes along Virginia roadways over the Labor Day holiday. Three of those killed were pedestrians (one in Emporia, one in Fairfax along Interstate 395, and one in Alexandria along Interstate 395).
In addition, three people were killed in a vehicle crash that occurred Sunday (Sept. 6, 2026) along Interstate 66 in Fairfax County. There were also 10 fatalities over the Labor Day Holiday in 2025.*
“Drivers need to make sure they avoid distractions and are aware of their surroundings at all times,” said Lieutenant Colonel Todd Taylor, Director of the Virginia State Police Bureau of Field Operations. “But pedestrians have a role to play in keeping the roads safe as well. Our highway workers wear bright colored, reflective clothing so they are more visible to motorists. Pedestrians need to consider how visible they are to motorists too and always cross roadways at crosswalks. In addition, it is illegal for pedestrians to walk on an interstate or try to cross an interstate because it is so hazardous to do.”
The fatal crashes occurred in the counties of Fairfax (two crashes, four fatalities), Isle of Wight, New Kent, Lancaster, and Rockbridge, and the cities of Alexandria and Emporia.
As part of the nationwide, state-sponsored Operation C.A.R.E (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort), Virginia State Police had all available troopers and supervisors on patrol during the 2026 holiday weekend, with a special emphasis on Sept. 4, 2026, and Sept. 7, 2026, the two highest expected travel days. During the statistical counting period, Virginia State Police troopers cited 2,823 drivers for speeding and 1,571 drivers for reckless driving. Seventy-four people were charged with Driving under the Influence (five for driving under the influence – drugs). There were 514 seat belt violations and 94 child restraint violations. In total, troopers worked 848 crashes.
Funds generated from summonses issued by Virginia State Police go directly to court fees and the state’s Literary Fund, which benefits public school construction, technology funding and teacher retirement.
