Preliminary reports indicate the 2022 Independence Day weekend proved deadly for nine individuals on Virginia roads, including three motorcyclists, according to the Virginia State Police.

The holiday statistical counting period began at 12:01 a.m. Friday (July 1) and concluded at midnight Monday (July 4) as part of the Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.).

Operation C.A.R.E. is a state-sponsored, national program intended to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries due to impaired driving, speed and failing to wear a seat belt. During last year’s four-day Independence Day Operation C.A.R.E. initiative, there were 12 traffic deaths on Virginia highways.

The nine fatal crashes occurred in the cities of Danville, Franklin, Norfolk and Portsmouth, and the counties of Botetourt, Chesterfield, King William, Loudoun and Warren. The motorcycle fatalities occurred in the City of Franklin and Portsmouth and Chesterfield County. The King William County crash involved an ...