Three pedestrians and a motorcyclist were among the 14 individuals who lost their lives on Virginia highways over the 2022 Thanksgiving weekend, according to preliminary data provided by the Virginia State Police. Of the 10 individuals riding in vehicles equipped with seat belts, eight were not wearing one.

“Not sure how many times we can say this until folks start paying attention, but ‘Seat belts save lives,’” said Col. Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “We are now heading into the 2022 holiday season with 14 families grieving the loss of their loved ones due to these Thanksgiving holiday traffic crashes. For eight of those 14, the simple act of buckling up may well have prevented such tragic outcomes. Please buckle up every one in your vehicle every time and on every ride.”

In total, during the five-day period, which began at 12:01 a.m. Nov. 23 and concluded at midnight Nov. 27, 14 people lost their lives to traffic crashes in Virginia. The fatal crashes o...