Icy winter weather causes nearly 400 crashes statewide; State Police respond to 43 crashes in Chesapeake division

State Police are discouraging Virginians from driving through Sunday due to extremely icy and treacherous conditions across much of Central, Southeastern and Northern Virginia.

As of 9 p.m. Saturday, police are responding to 29 traffic crashes statewide and 5 disabled vehicles statewide. Officials say the majority of those crashes involve only damage to vehicles, as vehicles slide off the slick roadways into ditches, guardrails, and fallen trees.

From 12:00 a.m. through 9 p.m. Saturday, police have responded to a total of 195 disabled vehicles and 366 traffic crashes statewide. There have been no fatal crashes reported at this time.

Richmond Division: 41 Disabled Vehicles & 77 Traffic Crashes

Culpeper Division: 10 Disabled Vehicles & 47 Traffic Crashes

Appomattox Division: 14 Disabled Vehicles & 45 Traffic Crashes

Wytheville Division: 15 Disabled Vehicles & 13 Traffic Crashes

Chesapeake Division: 51 Disabled Vehicles & 60 Traffic Crashes

Salem Division: 22 Disabled Vehicles & 31 Traffic Crashes

Fairfax Division: 42 Disabled Vehicles & 93 Traffic Crashes

If you must travel, officials say please practice the following safe traffic tips:

• Make sure all windows and lights are clear of snow before heading out
• Slow speed for icy conditions.
• Always buckle up – driver and all passengers.
• Drive distraction free – put down the phone and coffee, and keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
• Use headlights to increase your visibility and to help other drivers see you better.
• Share the road responsibly with VDOT vehicles and emergency vehicles.
• Check Virginia 511 before you go for road conditions, closures and detours.