Officer Ryan Myers received a Service Recognition Award in recognition of his efforts to create graphic road intersection templates for use in the new TREDS Crash Reporting System. These pre-made intersections will save officers time and allow them to complete crash reports more efficiently. Shown in the photo are Officer Ryan Myers and Robert A. Carlisle, Chief of Police.

On February 16, 2011, the Roanoke Police Department conducted a special operation in an effort to reduce traffic crashes at the interchange between Elm Avenue and Interstate 581.

Fifty-nine crashes were reported in that location during the 2010 calendar year, mostly due to red light violations and drivers blocking intersections. The Roanoke Police Department, working in conjunction with the four Virginia State Police Troopers, issued a total of 105 charges resulting from traffic violations.

Roanoke Police Officers issued the following charges:

• Speeding - 4
• Blocking an intersection - 35
• Red light violation - 18
• Seat belt violation - 7
• Wrong way on a one way street - 1
• Unsafe lane change - 1
• Stop sign violation - 1
• Following too close - 1
• Improper turn - 1
• Habitual offender - 1
• Suspended/No operator’s license - 3
• Equipment violations - 2
• Improper driving - 2
• Tag/Inspection/Registration violations - 5

Truck Inspections in Reston Police District

Fairfax County Police officers conducted comprehensive vehicle safety
inspections October 19, 2010 in the Reston area, citing 61 safety and equipment violations.

Out of 25 commercial vehicles checked, 10 were placed out-of-service and 9 tickets were issued. Commercial motor carrier officers focused on commercial vehicles on Route 7 near Colvin Run Road.

Sobriety Checkpoint Results In Mason Police District

Fairfax County police officers from around the county conducted a sobriety checkpoint to deter and apprehend intoxicated drivers on Friday, November 12 from 11:30 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. Saturday. All motorists were stopped and drivers were evaluated to assure that their abilities to drive had not been impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Approximately 720 motorists were stopped in the westbound lanes of Arlington Boulevard near the intersection of Annandale Road. Four arrests were made for DWI and three summonses were issued for traffic offenses.

By M.K. Luther / NVDaily.com

Teens 'Strapped for Cash'

FRONT ROYAL -- Teen drivers at Warren County High School found an unexpected way to make a quick buck on October 20, 2010, and get a reminder on how to save a life.

Ellen Aders and Bill Powers, agents with State Farm Insurance in Front Royal, came to the school to dole out crisp $1 bills to all teen drivers who were properly using a seat belt. The students also received informational packets on driver safety and seat belt effectiveness.

The seat belt safety awareness campaign, called "Strapped for Cash," was held in conjunction with National Teen Driver Safety Week. From Oct. 17 to 23, parents, teachers, and teens were encouraged to brainstorm to come up with new ways to promote teen driving safety instruction and practices.

Warren County Sheriff's Office school resource Deputy K.A. Negron blocked the school parking lot exit, creating a checkpoint when the school day ended. As the vehicles backed up in single-file and unsuspecting teens were stopped, both drivers and passengers were checked to make certain they were buckled up.

A total of 49 teen drivers were stopped, and 46 were rewarded by the end of the event, according to Aders. "It is our responsibility as insurance professionals to make sure that we are educating our future policy holders on the importance of wearing their seat belts," Aders said.

Negron said she attempts to accent safe driving in the schools' overall teen safety programs.

Read full story at NVdaily.com

DUI Checkpoint Nets Eight Arrests

The Leesburg Police Department conducted a sobriety checkpoint on Friday evening, November 19, 2010 on East Market Street near Cardinal Park Drive. This education, prevention, and enforcement initiative was held in conjunction with Checkpoint Strikeforce, a multi-state, zero-tolerance program designed to remove impaired drivers from the roads and to educate the public about the dangers and consequences of drunk driving.

The checkpoint had 555 vehicles pass through, with 20 drivers being further screened to determine if they were impaired. Six arrests were made for DUI, one arrest for Public Intoxication, and one arrest was made for an outstanding warrant. In addition, several drivers were charged with traffic related violations.

Members of the Virginia State Police, Leesburg Police Department Citizens Support Team, Leesburg Police Explorer Post #1041, Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad 13, and volunteers from the Loudoun Chapter of MADD assisted with the checkpoint.

Certificate of Commendation Presented to Officer Walker

During the last quarter of 2010, Fredericksburg Police Officer Jamie Walker took the lead and has pushed the department to even higher levels of traffic enforcement and the reduction of traffic accidents.

Officer Walker has assisted in several classes and training seminars to improve traffic education. He was also instrumental in coordinating joint efforts with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Department in the use of their Command Vehicle during a recent training exercise. Additionally, he serves as the lead contact on the City’s Tow Board and has worked diligently to improve communications with its members and provide a positive influence to the enforcement of its policies.