October is the most dangerous month on Virginia roadways, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
In the last decade, 8,034 people were killed in crashes in Virginia. Of those deaths, 791 occurred in October, making it the most dangerous month statistically.
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Last October, 86 people died, and more than 5,200 were injured in around 12,000 crashes across the state. Almost half were not properly restrained with a seatbelt, car seat, or booster seat.
The DMV is joining Virginia State Police and 19 other law enforcement agencies to participate in Operation Crash Reduction.
The campaign will take place this holiday weekend, from Oct. 7 through Oct. 10, to encourage drivers to stay safe on the roads.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is leading the campaign to prevent crashes, reduce injuries and keep people safe.
“As folks travel this holiday weekend, we ask them to remember the basic skills they learned when they started to drive – buckle up, follow a safe speed, stay focused and never drive impaired,” said Acting DMV Commissioner Linda Ford, the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “We could save so many lives if people commit to employing these skills every time they get behind the wheel.”