Virginia holiday traffic deaths rise

Virginia State Police say more people died in traffic crashes on the state's highways during this year's Christmas holiday weekend than in 2008.

Preliminary reports show that 10 people died in eight crashes during the four-day period that began Thursday. That's four more traffic fatalities than last year, even though the 2008 counting period was one day longer.

Of the 10 killed this year, eight were not wearing safety belts. Alcohol was a factor in at least two of the fatal crashes.

--Associated Press