
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, June 30, 1994                   TAG: 9406300136
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                 LENGTH: Short

STATE POLICE TO CUT BACK ON WRECK INVESTIGATIONS

To free up troopers for more highway safety work, the Virginia State Police will no longer routinely investigate minor traffic wrecks, beginning Aug.1.

``We believe the reduction in routine crash investigations by troopers will be significant, in view of our new policy,'' said Col. M. Wayne Huggins, state police superintendent.

``It will enable troopers to return their attention to law enforcement responsibilities.''

Troopers will not investigate any wrecks with damage of less than $1,000 unless it is a hit-and-run or involves injuries or fatalities.

``Troopers will not be prohibited from investigating any crash if, in their judgment, they feel circumstances warrant it,'' State Police said in a news release. Such circumstances would include drunken driving or excessive speeding, said Claire Capel, a state police spokeswoman.

- Associated Press

by CNB