RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia State Police Culpeper, Appomattox, Salem, and Wytheville Divisions have announced plans for Operation DISSrupt, a major traffic enforcement and educational safety initiative set to take place on all 325 miles of Interstate 81 in Virginia on Feb. 12, 2024, and Feb. 13, 2024. The operation aims to combat the four key causes of fatal and serious injury crashes: Distracted driving, Impaired driving, Speed compliance, and Seat belt safety.
Preliminary data from Jan. 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2023, revealed a staggering 839 traffic crash-related fatalities on Virginia roadways. Additionally, statistics indicate that January of this year alone witnessed 50 fatalities on Virginia roads. These alarming figures have prompted the Virginia State Police to take action and encourage the support of the community.
We are asking Virginians to help state police ‘DISS-rupt’ the dangerous behaviors that put motorists and pedestrians at risk, said Lt. Col. Matt Hanley, director of the Virginia State Police Bureau of Field Operations. Initiatives like ‘DISSrupt’ are about getting Virginians back to the basics about traffic safety: making sure they are driving sober, driving safely, buckled up, and focused on the task ahead.
With the ultimate goal of achieving zero fatal crashes during the designated enforcement periods, Operation DISSrupt also aims to reduce the total number of crashes on Virginia’s interstates by 10% throughout the calendar year.
State police have already implemented ‘DISSrupt’ enforcement actions on Interstates 64 and 95, with another operation scheduled for Super Bowl weekend on Interstate 66.
The Virginia State Police are urging drivers to abide by traffic laws, emphasizing the importance of eliminating distractions, driving sober, obeying speed limits, and wearing seat belts. By focusing on these fundamental aspects of road safety, the authorities hope to prevent unnecessary loss of life on Virginia’s interstates.
Operation DISSrupt serves as a timely reminder for all drivers to prioritize safety and consider the well-being of fellow motorists and pedestrians. It is crucial for individuals to remain attentive behind the wheel, avoid engaging in risky behaviors, and strictly adhere to traffic regulations.
As Virginians gear up for Operation DISSrupt, the Virginia State Police are determined to make the roadways safer, and they are calling on the community to join them in this vital endeavor. Together, by practicing responsible driving habits and maintaining a vigilant attitude, Virginians can create a safer environment for everyone on the roads.
