News Headlines
April 24, 2013
New Study: Motorcyclist Deaths Spike in 2012
Approximately 5,000 Motorcyclist Fatalities Projected
WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a new report released today, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is projecting that motorcyclist deaths increased approximately 9 percent in 2012, to more than 5,000 lives lost. This is greater than the overall traffic fatality increase projected by the federal government and would be the 14th out of the last 15 years in which motorcyclist deaths increased. Notably, this level of deaths closes in on an all-time high, and motorcyclists remain one of the few roadway user groups where no progress can be shown over the last decade. Read more
Henrico Police & Richmond International Raceway Release Safe Driving PSA (VIDEO)
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Before you start your engines, designate a sober driver if you plan on consuming alcohol. Henrico Police & RIR want you to see the checkered flag, NOT blue lights!" Watch now
April 22, 2013
Fairfax Co. Police Send a Reminder: 50 MEANS 50
The Traffic Division of the Fairfax Co. PD will launch their weeklong initiative “50 Means 50” as they saturate the Fairfax County Parkway this week. The annual campaign kicked off on Sunday, April 21, and targets aggressive and reckless driving, speeding, texting while driving, following too closely, and failure to pay full time and attention on the Fairfax County Parkway. Read more
April 1, 2013
Campaign targets distracted truck drivers in New Kent County
NEW KENT — Truck and bus drivers be warned: you had better think twice if you are holding your cell phone while driving in New Kent, Virginia. DRIVE SMART Virginia, in partnership with the New Kent County Sheriff's Office and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), will be conducting a distracted driving education and enforcement campaign this spring. Beginning April 8, truck and bus drivers traveling along Interstate 64 in New Kent County will come across a serious message: Phone Down. Just Drive. Read more
March 29, 2013
Rural motorists in Virginia found to lag in seat belt usage
RICHMOND-Motor vehicle drivers and passengers in rural Virginia are less likely to wear seat belts than those in other parts of the state, according to a statewide survey. They also are at greater risk of dying in traffic accidents, according to an analysis of state data by The Roanoke Times. Read more
Man convicted of driving 95 mph with six kids while high on heroin
HOPEWELL — When Hopewell sheriff’s Deputy Sean Godwin stopped Isaiah Hall last spring for speeding 95 mph on Interstate 295, he was surprised to see six children and another adult packed inside Hall’s van — none of them wearing safety belts or restrained in child seats.
The youngsters, as it turned out, were Hall’s grandchildren, ages 4, 6, 9, 12, 13 and 15. The family, which included Hall’s adult daughter, was returning to East Orange, N.J., after attending a funeral in North Carolina.
“No one had on a seat belt and there were two children who should have had been restrained in booster seats by Virginia law,” said Hopewell prosecutor Elisabeth Custalow. Read more
March 15, 2013
Henrico sets effort to curb teen drinking
‘Zero tolerance’ policyfor violators part of plan
In an effort to save the lives and preserve the health of our children, Chief Douglas A. Middleton, Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor and Dr. Pat Russo, Superintendent of Schools, have agreed to follow a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking. As a result, the Henrico County Police Division will take a zero tolerance approach to its underage drinking enforcement efforts. Read more
February 24-26, 2013
Making It Click – A Roanoke Times Special Report
Nearly 82 percent in Virginia, on average, buckle up. But the message isn’t getting through to everyone, especially in rural Virginia, where in some communities up to three-fourths of traffic fatalities involved unbelted drivers or passengers.
The Roanoke Times/roanoke.com in a special report has explored why the disparities exist. They also retrace failed efforts to strengthen Virginia’s seat belt law and look at new initiatives to educate young drivers. Read more
February 19, 2013
Texting while driving bill heads to Governor's desk where it faces uncertain fate
Legislation that would make texting while driving a primary offense and dramatically increase the fines for violators cleared the Senate today and now heads to Gov. Bob McDonnell for consideration.
"The governor will review this legislation when we receive it," said McDonnell spokesman J. Tucker Martin. "However, he does continue to have concerns about beginning to list more specific activities that are prohibited while driving." Read more
February 16, 2013
Beefed-up texting ban advances to uncertain fate
RICHMOND - The General Assembly has a message for drivers: Keep your hands on the wheel and off your smartphone's keyboard That was again conveyed Friday when a Senate committee advanced compromise legislation to make fines for texting while driving more expensive and allow police to stop a driver for the offense. Safe driving advocates maintain that texting while driving is one of the more dangerous forms of distracted driving.
A spokesman for the governor said McDonnell will review the legislation when he receives it, noting he has some misgivings about the concept. Read more
February 14, 2013
Transportation Safety Awards Recognize Crash Reduction Efforts
Applications Due March 15, 2013
RICHMOND - The outstanding efforts made by individuals and organizations to change the behaviors of Virginia’s motorists leading to crash, injury and fatality reduction, may be nominated for the 2013 Virginia Governor’s Transportation Safety Awards. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles’ Highway Safety Office is accepting nominations through March 15, 2013 for 13 different transportation safety categories. Read more
February 11, 2013
Deadly wrecks in Central Virginia put focus on need to buckle up
Last year, car wrecks left empty desks at schools throughout the region. Hardest hit was Bedford County, where 21 people died. ... From 2008 to 2012 in Virginia, more people died in wrecks in which they weren’t wearing a seat belt than died in crashes involving alcohol or speeding. During those five years, 1,623 unrestrained drivers and passengers died in the commonwealth. Read more
November 20, 2012
Slow Down This Thanksgiving Holiday and Save Lives
VDOT Installs Additional “Move Over” Signs Across the State
RICHMOND – As the volume of traffic increases on Virginia’s highways for the Thanksgiving weekend, so will the number of Virginia State Police troopers on the road. State police will enhance its visibility and traffic enforcement efforts as part of Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort). The program is intended to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries caused by speeding, impaired driving and failure to use occupant restraints. Extra patrols willincrease throughout the Commonwealth beginning Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012, at 12:01 a.m. through midnight, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. Read more
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