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CHESAPEAKE, Va. – The Virginia State Police Chesapeake, Richmond, Appomattox and Salem Divisions will be conducting Operation DISS-rupt on all 299.45 miles of Interstate 64 in Virginia April 3 and April 4. The traffic enforcement and educational safety initiative focuses on Distracted driving, Impaired driving, Speed compliance and Seat belt safety. Preliminary data indicates 126 persons have died in a traffic crash on a Virginia roadway so far this year. In addition, 4 pedestrians have been struck and killed on Virginia interstates between Jan. 1, 2024, and March 12, 2024.

“This initiative is about getting back to the basics of traffic safety,” said Captain Gregory T. Mathias, Virginia State Police Chesapeake Division Commander. “We are challenging motorists to help DISS-rupt the dangerous driving behaviors that put them at risk. During operation DISS-rupt Troopers will patrol on Interstate 64 across the Commonwealth and focus on distracted driving behaviors.

Operation DISS-rupt 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%:

• 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 441 lives in 2022 in Virginia. Simply, drive to save lives.
• Seat Belt Safety: Virginia law requires all front seat occupants of motor vehicles be restrained, and any passenger from birth to 18 years old be properly restrained in an appropriate child safety seat or seat belt, no matter their seating position.

In the coming months, Operation DISS-rupt will focus on Interstate 95, Interstate 81 and Interstate 66.