UPDATE: One accident with injuries reported in New Kent; major roads mostly clear, but snow still causing headaches for motorists on New Kent, Charles City secondary roads

A two-vehicle crash this afternoon on the Interstate 64 eastbound off-ramp at the Route 249 interchange at Bottoms Bridge in New Kent County has sent one driver to the hospital with minor injuries.

Other than that and as far as driving mishaps are concerned, New Kent Sheriffs Office Chief Deputy Joe McLaughlin said, “So far, knock on wood, it’s been pretty quiet.”

Primary roads in New Kent (routes 60, 249, 155, 106, 33, 30, and 273) are in “pretty good” condition as of 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, McLaughlin said.

“VDOT and their contractors cleared major roads first and are now turning their attention to secondary roads,” he said. “And there are some secondary roads in need of attention.”

Thanks to upwards of eight inches of snow falling in New Kent and Charles City counties before changing over to sleet early this morning, roads continue to be hazardous for drivers.

State Police reported responding to over 2,250 calls for service in Virginia between 4 p.m. yesterday and 7 a.m. this morning (Tuesday).

Sgt. Steve Vick reported that as of 10 a.m., he did not have a breakdown of accidents and calls for service in New Kent and Charles City. He added, however, that through 4 a.m. a total of 415 calls for service, including 210 traffic crashes and 127 disabled vehicles, had been responded to in the Richmond metro area that includes New Kent and Charles City.

New Kent Sheriffs Office responded to multiple calls to assist motorists, McLaughlin said.

“Mostly that has been vehicles stuck in ditches and on hills,” he said.

He added that a serious accident involving a tractor/trailer jackknifing on Interstate 64 near the James City County line occurred early this morning. No injuries were reported.

State police, meanwhile, are reporting a fatal accident occurring late last night in Loudoun County in Northern Virginia and an incident where a trooper was struck by a vehicle while investigating another crash on Interstate 495 in Northern Virginia around 6 a.m. this morning. The trooper was taken to a Fairfax hospital for treatment of injuries.

Motorists are still being advised to stay off the highways as roads are slick and hazardous. For their safety, drivers are advised to delay travel until later Tuesday so VDOT crews can treat and clear the highways.

State police say drivers are advised NOT to call 911 or #77 to find out about road conditions. These phone lines must remain clear for real emergencies. Call 511 for road conditions or click on www.511virginia.org.

If having to travel, drivers are reminded to drive to save lives (#drivetosavelives):

· Clear off all snow from your vehicle – windows, roof, trunk and lights

· Add extra time to reach your travel destination

· Slow speed due to road conditions

· Increase driving distances between vehicles for increased stopping distance

· Buckle up and don’t drive distracted

· MOVE OVER and slow down for all stopped emergency vehicles, highway vehicles and tow trucks.