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The Virginia State Police (VSP) sent out a news release Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 19, stating that as snow continues to fall and accumulate throughout the area, the VSP continues to urge Virginians to avoid travel. 

The 4:25 p.m. news release stated that since midnight, there have been 359 incidents, 56 crashes, with five crashes being reported with non-life-threatening injuries.

“Currently troopers are investigating a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 85, southbound at the 20 mm., where two troopers were struck while attempting to assist a disabled motorist,” officials stated in the release. “Troopers were uninjured.”

Motorists should use caution when approaching emergency vehicles, slowing down and moving over.

There had been no fatal crashes in this storm as of Wednesday afternoon.

VSP officials stated that if people must travel, drivers are reminded to do the following: 

• Use headlights. Increasing your visibility helps you to avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road, as well as helps other drivers see you better. 
• Slow your speed. Though state police will be working closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to identify any problem areas on Virginia’s highways during a winter storm, drivers are reminded to drive for weather and road conditions. Slowing your speed allows more time to safely react and avoid a possible crash. Maintain control of your vehicle at all times. 
• Don’t tailgate. Increase stopping distance, and be aware of slick road surfaces. Allow yourself a safe stopping distance between vehicles traveling ahead of you to avoid a rear-end collision. 
• Buckle up. Wearing your seat belt protects you and your passengers from being thrown around the inside of your vehicle and suffering serious injury in a crash. 
• Check your vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order for weather conditions. Fill up the gas tank in advance. Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire treads, battery life, etc. 
• Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cellphone charger and a flashlight.  

For the latest in road conditions and updates, dial 511 on a cellular phone or go online to the VDOT Virginia Traffic Information Website at https://511.vdot.virginia.gov.  

Commuters are advised to only call 911 or #77 on a cellphone in case of emergency. It is essential to keep emergency dispatch lines open for those in serious need of police, fire or medical response.