CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – While the exact cause of each crash is undetermined, Virginia State Police (VSP) say that the incidents provide a snapshot of the challenges on Virginia’s roads during the winter storm. They have responded to hundreds of accidents across the state since Sunday, increasing the number of troopers on duty and moving to 12-hour shifts to manage the demand.

The following timeline outlines reported crashes and responses shared by Virginia State Police:

Sunday, January 5, 2025, 3:54 PM
VSP reported an increase in crashes as the storm entered the state. Between noon and 3:30 PM:

  • Wytheville District (Southwest Virginia): 85 crashes (three with injuries).
  • Salem District (Western Virginia): 51 crashes (four with injuries).

Sunday, January 5, 2025, 8:08 PM
Between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM, crashes were reported in several districts:

  • Richmond District: 6 crashes, none with injuries.
  • Culpeper District (Northwest VA): 2 crashes, none with injuries.
  • Appomattox District (Central/West VA): 8 crashes, 3 with injuries.
  • Wytheville District (Southwest VA): 20 crashes, 3 with injuries.
  • Chesapeake District (Hampton Roads): 3 crashes, 1 with injuries.
  • Salem District (Western VA): 47 crashes, 5 with injuries.
  • Northern Virginia: No reported incidents.

Monday, January 6, 2025, 9:38 PM
Crashes declined into Monday evening, though VSP urged continued caution due to icy conditions and refreezing risks. Between 4:00 PM and 9:30 PM:

  • Richmond District: 6 crashes.
  • Culpeper District: 5 crashes.
  • Appomattox District: 7 crashes.
  • Wytheville District: 4 crashes.
  • Chesapeake District: 14 crashes, 1 with injuries.
  • Salem District: 3 crashes.
  • Northern Virginia: 13 crashes, 4 with injuries.

Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 4:17 AM
Overnight, VSP continued to respond to scattered crashes across the state. Between midnight and 4:00 AM:

  • Richmond District: 2 crashes.
  • Culpeper District: 1 crash.
  • Appomattox District: 2 crashes.
  • Wytheville District: 1 crash.
  • Chesapeake District: 2 crashes, 1 with injuries.
  • Salem District: 2 crashes.
  • Northern Virginia: 4 crashes, 1 with injuries.

State Police are still active on Virginia’s roads and asking drivers to delay travel when possible until conditions improve.   They released the following safety recommendations for anyone headed out on the roads:

  • Use headlights: Improve visibility to avoid slick spots and help others see you.
  • Slow your speed: Drive cautiously, adjusting for road conditions, and leave extra time to react.
  • Don’t tailgate: Maintain increased stopping distance to prevent rear-end collisions.
  • Buckle up: Seat belts reduce the risk of injury during crashes caused by sliding or collisions.
  • Check your vehicle: Ensure it is winter-ready with a full tank, working wipers, proper tire tread, and a charged battery.
  • Pack essentials: Bring a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snacks, a phone charger, and a flashlight.