Winter storm leads to multiple crashes

The winter storm that moved into Virginia Tuesday continues to impact the Commonwealth; however, the number of crashes has slowed this afternoon. Since midnight on Feb. 11, 2025, (as of 4 p.m. on Feb. 12, 2025), there have been 951 crashes statewide, including 95 with reported injuries. There have been no fatalities.

In the Virginia State Police=92s Wytheville Division, covering much of southwestern Virginia, there have been 122 crashes, 10 of which had reported injuries. Virginia State Police continue to encourage drivers to stay off the roads during the storm and allow the Virginia Department of Transportation and other emergency crews more space to work.

If you must travel, drivers are reminded to do the following:

* 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.
* 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.

For the latest in road conditions and updates, please call 511 on a cell ph=
one or go online to the VDOT Virginia Traffic Information Website at https:=
//511.vdot.virginia.gov/
For the latest in road conditions and updates, please call 511 on a cell ph=
one or go online to the VDOT Virginia Traffic Information Website at https:=
//511.vdot.virginia.gov/