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Today is the final day that Operation Air, Land and Speed will be held on Interstate 81 and Interstate 95 where drivers will notice an increased presence of Virginia State Police troopers. After a three month hiatus, the special enforcement campaign returns to cover the entire length of both north-south interstate corridors. This visible and highly-effective traffic safety initiative reminds motorists of the need to slow down, buckle up, and to drive responsibly and without distractions.
Since the inception of Operation Air, Land and Speed, this is the eighth time the specialized enforcement has focused entirely on I-95 and I-81. In 2008, the two interstates were again selected for a two-day operation in June which produced one of the highest enforcement totals. The traffic safety campaign selects targeted interstates based on various factors including: the number and rate of traffic fatalities, crashes and dangerous driving behavior. There have been five fatal crashes on both interstates during the month of October.
“The increased patrols and our visible presence on the road serves as a deterrent to irresponsible and aggressive driving,” said Colonel Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “Operation Air, Land and Speed has been an effective tool to help keep motorists safe and promote responsible driving behavior.” While on patrol during the last Operation Air, Land and Speed enforcement, two troopers were struck in the Hampton Roads region in July. With the increase in troopers on the road during this traffic initiative, Virginia State Police would like to remind motorists to comply with Virginia’s “Move Over” law, which requires drivers to change to another travel lane, or, if they are unable to, to slow down and cautiously pass emergency personnel stopped on the side of the road. State police operational duties on other interstates, primary and secondary roads will not be affected during the operation. Funding for the enforcement initiative is provided through federal highway safety monies. Photo: (Top left) A Virginia State Trooper stops a motorist along I-81 in Pulaski County. (Photo by David Grimes)
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