Drug Impaired Driving Awareness - 4/20
Drug-impaired driving remains a significant and dangerous issue on Virginia's roads, posing a serious threat to public safety. In 2021, there were 259 fatalities due to drugged drivers, a sharp increase compared to the 206 drugged driving deaths recorded in 2020. It is crucial to recognize that whether it is prescription and/or illegal drugs, any substance that affects one's ability to drive safely constitutes impaired driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, April 20 is also known as 420 – a number associated with marijuana use. As this day approaches, there may be an uptick in marijuana use among individuals, which potentially increases the risks of impaired driving.
As we get closer to April 20, DMV's Highway Safety Office is asking for your help to share the resources below to educate your communities about responsible driving habits and emphasize the dangers of impaired driving.
Thank you in advance for your efforts to end distracted driving and save lives on Virginian roads. |
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Traffic Occupant Protection Strategies (TOPS) Training Available to Law Enforcement Agencies
Virginia DMV's Highway Safety Office needs your help to increase the Commonwealth's seat belt use rate and save lives on our roadways. The role you play in enforcing Virginia's seat belt laws is vitally important as Virginia reported a seat belt use rate of just 75.6% in 2022. Last year, 335 people who were not wearing seat belts tragically lost their lives in 5,659 unrestrained crashes on our highways.
As such, we want to make you aware that Traffic Occupant Protection Strategies (TOPS) training is available to law enforcement agencies to provide additional education to assist you in increasing seat belt use and decreasing unrestrained fatalities in your community. Developed by the Traffic Law Enforcement Division at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the TOPS training curriculum encompasses the latest insights into safety belts, child safety seats, and airbags.
Together, we can set an example for others to follow and save the lives of motorists throughout Virginia. Please feel free to contact Seppo Karkkainen, Seppo.Karkkainen@dmv.virginia.gov, to schedule the 4-hour TOPS course, or with any other help you may need.
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Crash Investigation and Reconstruction Training
The Virginia Highway Safety Office is pleased to offer classes in crash investigation and reconstruction. Available courses are:
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Fundamentals of Crash Investigation and Reconstruction
May 13-24, 2024 — Chesapeake Public Safety Operations Center, Chesapeake, VA
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Advanced Crash Investigation
June 17-28, 2024 — Henrico County Police Training Facility, Richmond, VA
July 8-19, 2024 — Roanoke County Police Department, Roanoke, VA
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Human Factors in Traffic Crash Reconstruction
July 29 - August 2, 2024 — Virginia State Police Academy, North Chesterfield, VA
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Pedestrian/Bicycle Crash Investigation - Level I
September 9-13, 2024 — Virginia Beach Police Training Facility, Virginia Beach, VA
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Traffic Crash Reconstruction
September 16-27, 2024 — Henrico County Police Training Facility, Richmond, VA
For more information, click the corresponding link for the course information.
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Campaign to Reduce Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority asks you to join them in their new campaign to reduce the number of Virginians who drive under the influence of cannabis.
Your support in sharing critical safe driving messages is invaluable. Here's how you can make a difference:
- Distribute materials from the digital toolkit.
- Print and post these posters and flyers.
- Add this URL to your website and direct people there to learn more about safe driving.
- Share their pledge. They're asking Virginians to commit themselves to never driving under the influence of cannabis.
If you have any questions, please visit cca.virginia.gov or email PublicAffairs@cca.virginia.gov.
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New Speed Prevention Media Campaign
Highway Safety partner,
We are excited to inform you of the launch of our new speed prevention media campaign on October 24, 2023!
This campaign was created using focus groups to determine the cause of speeding and how we can get people to slow down. The campaign highlights the different consequences of speeding to educate drivers that speeding can affect you and others in many ways.
Please share our new speed campaign with your communities to spread awareness of the consequences of speeding:
We thank you for your continued efforts in keeping our roadways safe for all road users. |
DMV Debuts Refreshed Virginia Driver's License and ID Card Design
New look celebrates Virginia, enhances security
RICHMOND – Beginning today, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is releasing a refreshed design of Virginia driver's licenses and ID cards. The new credentials incorporate the next generation of enhanced security features that are resistant to counterfeiting and illustrate the beauty of iconic Virginia imagery. Read more |
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Upcoming Events/Trainings
See the full Smart, Safe & Sober Calendar |
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