Decrease in Virginia Thanksgiving holiday road crashes and fatalities

As the holiday season kicks off, many Virginians are getting ready for more travel. Early data from Virginia State Police on Thanksgiving traffic activity may provide some positive insights for drivers preparing for Christmas travel. Virginia State Police reported that there were no fatal crashes in Hampton Roads over Thanksgiving, marking a positive accomplishment for the region. Statewide, six people lost their lives in accidents, which is two fewer than last Thanksgiving. The only fatal crash near Hampton Roads was in Accomack County. State troopers responded to 1,147 crashes in Virginia during the holiday period, with 123 resulting in injuries, showing a slight decrease from the previous year. These declines follow the overall trend seen in 2025, with 671 traffic fatalities recorded in the state as of December 1, compared to 788 by the same date in 2024. With the decreasing crash and fatality numbers, officials are optimistic for the upcoming Christmas travel season. Virginia State Police are planning to have a strong presence on the highways like during Thanksgiving, where they handed out over 4,300 speeding citations and 1,700 reckless driving charges. Authorities believe that increased enforcement coupled with safe driving practices could lead to a repeat of the Thanksgiving success in Hampton Roads, with zero roadway fatalities during one of the busiest travel times of the year.