VA seeks public input on Statewide Safety Plan

Virginia is updating its Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) – Arrive Alive.

This is a statewide initiative that establishes priorities and strategies for improving roadway safety across the Commonwealth.

The plan addresses safety for all road users, including drivers and passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.

The SHSP is overseen by a Steering Committee.

Made up of the following organizations:

  • Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT),
  • Virginia State Police (VSP),
  • Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV),
  • Department of Health (VDH)
  • Other state and local agencies and transportation safety partners.

As part of the update, the committee is asking Virginians to share their experiences, concerns and ideas about roadway safety.

Public feedback will help identify safety priorities and inform the next version of the SHSP.

This will guide transportation safety efforts across Virginia in the coming years.

Residents are encouraged to share their perspectives to help shape strategies aimed at reducing crashes, preventing serious injuries and saving lives on Virginia roads.

Learn more about the Strategic Highway Safety Plan – Arrive Alive and how to provide feedback through the Virginia Department of Transportation’s safety plan page

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Wild turkey census

Graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is asking for the public’s help with its annual wild turkey brood survey.

The survey has been conducted since the early 2000s.

It is one of the agency’s best tools for measuring annual turkey reproduction.

Officials say reports from the public help expand their understanding of turkey populations across the Commonwealth.

If you spot wild turkeys while at home, on the road, or outdoors, you’re encouraged to report your sighting through the Department of Wildlife Resources’ online brood survey.

Make sure you take a photo to submit with your survey.

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VDF says Throwing Shade was a success!

Virginia Department of Forestry used by permission from VDF Communication Specialist Cory Swift-Turner

The Virginia Department of Forestry says its Throwing Shade VA program continues to grow in popularity.

This spring, approximately 3,500 customers purchased more than 10,500 native trees and shrubs at 31 participating nursery locations across Virginia.

This was an increase of nearly 3,000 plants over last year.

Now in its fourth year, the program offers a $25 discount on eligible native trees valued at $50 or more, encouraging homeowners to incorporate native species into their landscapes.

Native plants are better adapted to Virginia’s environment and provide important food and habitat for wildlife and pollinators.

Four new nurseries joined the program this year, expanding participation to new regions across the Commonwealth.

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Warmer weather bring out motorcycles

VSP official patch and logo used by permission by Information Officer Brent Coffey

With motorcycle fatalities in 2026 just slightly behind the pace of the past two years, Virginia State Police is urging drivers to stay alert on the roads.

May marks Motorcycle Awareness Month, and with warmer weather bringing more riders out, officials say both motorcyclists and drivers need to prioritize safety.

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there have been 24 motorcycle fatalities in Virginia so far this year, as of April 30th.

Nineteen of those occurred in March and April.

By comparison, there were 30 fatalities during the same time period in 2024, and 32 in 2025.

State Police say riders should understand their skill level and ride within their limits, while drivers should remain vigilant and watch for motorcycles sharing the road.

To help improve safety, Virginia State Police is offering its “Ride 2 Save Lives” motorcycle self-assessment courses across the Commonwealth.

The program gives riders a chance to practice handling hazards, navigating curves, and riding safely in a controlled environment with trained motor troopers.

Those interested in participating can find more information and register online.

Space is limited, and riders must have a valid motorcycle endorsement, proper gear, and a street-legal bike with a DOT-approved helmet.

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VSP seize firearms and narcotics

VSP official patch and logo used by permission by Information Officer Brent Coffey

 

The Virginia State Police (VSP), in coordination with federal and local law enforcement partners, reported significant criminal interdictions across the Commonwealth from Feb. 18 through Feb. 24, 2026.

The activity was part of ongoing crime suppression initiatives.

According to the agency’s weekly report, troopers and task force members recovered firearms, seized substantial quantities of narcotics, confiscated U.S. currency, and investigated a range of criminal offenses, including human trafficking.

During the weeklong enforcement effort, Virginia State Police recovered seven firearms with an estimated total value of $3,500.

Authorities reported the seizure of more than 150 pounds of narcotics during the operation.

State police and state task force partners confiscated approximately 116.8 pounds of narcotics.

Federal task forces that include Virginia State Police personnel, working alongside other law enforcement agencies, seized an additional 34.6 pounds.

The estimated denied revenue from the seized narcotics totaled $1,003,474.

A breakdown of the drugs recovered includes:

  • 2.9 ounces of cocaine
  • 1.2 ounces of crack cocaine
  • 134.5 pounds of marijuana
  • 10 pounds of methamphetamine
  • 1 ounce of fentanyl
  • 6.6 pounds of THC consumables

In addition to narcotics, authorities seized $250,000 in U.S. currency.

Virginia State Police stated that the enforcement actions are part of broader, ongoing initiatives aimed at reducing violent crime and dismantling criminal enterprises throughout the Commonwealth.

“The Virginia State Police remain steadfast in their mission to enhance public safety and uphold the laws throughout the Commonwealth while supporting the Governor’s initiatives on violent crime,” the agency said in a statement.

VSP emphasized that close coordination with local, state, and federal partners remains critical in targeting narcotics distribution networks, firearms violations, and related criminal activity.

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VA Statewide Tornado Drill – March 10, 2026

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is encouraging you to take part in the Statewide Tornado Drill on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 9:45 a.m.

Schools, businesses, government agencies, and families across the Commonwealth are invited to use this opportunity to practice tornado safety plans and review emergency procedures.

Participants are asked to register in advance at: https://www.vaemergency.gov/2026-statewide-tornado-drill

Officials say just a few minutes of preparation can make a critical difference when severe weather strikes.

VSP streamlines background checks

VSP official patch and logo used by permission by Information Officer Brent Coffey

The Virginia State Police announced Tuesday that they’ve successfully implemented the federally mandated Rap Back Program.

The FBI program continuously monitors criminal history records for people in trusted positions, including employees, volunteers, licensees, and contractors.

State Police say the system enhances public safety and streamlines background checks across the Commonwealth.

The program provides real-time updates if someone in the system is arrested, alerting agencies to changes that traditional fingerprint checks would miss.

Day says older background checks only captured a person’s record at one point in time.

The new system allows employers, such as schools or daycare centers, to receive timely notifications and take appropriate action when necessary.

VSP warn drivers ahead of potential winter weather

VSP official patch and logo used by permission by Information Officer Brent Coffey

The Virginia State Police are monitoring possible winter weather across the Commonwealth this weekend.

Drivers are urged to exercise caution:

  • Slow down
  • Increase following distance
  • Stay alert, especially on bridges, overpasses, and ramps

For up-to-date road conditions, visit 511Virginia.gov before traveling.

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VA launches enhanced holiday DUI enforcement campaign

Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced enhanced holiday DUI enforcement across Virginia as part of the state’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

The governor is urging Virginians to plan ahead for a safe ride home if holiday celebrations include alcohol.

From December 10, 2025 – January 1, 2026, police departments across the Commonwealth.

Officers will conduct increased saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints during the period.

State officials note that drunk driving remains a serious concern.

Last year, 318 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in Virginia, an 8.5 percent increase from the previous year.

Along with increased enforcement, the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign includes an expanded media effort.

This year’s message is titled “What’s the Damage,” highlights the real costs of a DUI.

It will appear on television, social media, and in locations where alcohol is sold.

Since the campaign began in 2002, Virginia has seen progress in reducing impaired driving.

Over the past five years, alcohol-related crashes statewide have decreased by four percent, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

The campaign is supported by a DMV grant and administered by the Washington Regional Alcohol Program, a Virginia-based nonprofit focused on traffic safety.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Operation Magic Dragon success

VSP official patch and logo used by permission by Information Officer Brent Coffey

Governor Youngkin and the Virginia State Police (VSP) announced the results of Operation Magic Dragon on Friday, a major, multi-month investigation that targeted criminal activity in state vape and e-cigarette retail shops.

The VSP began the probe after seeing a rise in illegal drug and weapons offenses around the shops.

Beginning September 2025, a focused surge operation identified 172 establishments across all regions of Virginia involved in criminal activity.

The investigation yielded the following massive seizures:

  • Marijuana and THC Products: Over 155 kilograms of marijuana, marijuana concentrate, THC vape cartridges, and THC edibles were seized.
  • Harder Drugs: Seizures included cocaine, methamphetamine, and psilocybin (mushrooms).
  • Illegal Weapons: Authorities recovered 21 illegal firearms linked to the operations.

Governor Youngkin emphasized that the results demonstrate an unwavering commitment to keeping communities safe.

VSP confirmed that every single establishment involved in these seizures contained illegal drugs or contraband being sold.

The VSP stated that Operation Magic Dragon is an ongoing initiative and will continue its efforts to disrupt criminal enterprises that target youth.

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