About DRIVE SMART Virginia
DRIVE SMART Virginia (DSV) is the only 501c3 non-profit in Virginia dedicated entirely to making Virginia's roadways the safest in the nation. Founded by automobile insurance companies that represent more than 85% of the driving insured on our roads, DSV is a formidable presence in the homes and businesses of our Virginia citizens. Almost everyone rides or drives in a motor vehicle daily. That makes car crashes the most indiscriminate killer in existence.
Last year, there were 116,744 traffic crashes resulting in 756 deaths and 62,976 injuries. DRIVE SMART Virginia is a crucial force in the continued reduction of these statistics. Our mission will be advanced by fostering relationships with community partners, targeting and protecting those most vulnerable on our roadways, sharing our story through training and media opportunities, and promoting enhanced enforcement and engineering advancements.
Mission
DRIVE SMART Virginia is a public/private partnership dedicated to saving lives and reducing injuries through education, enforcement, engineering and policy development to make Virginia's roadways the safest in the nation.
History
Drive Smart Virginia was spearheaded in 1995 by six of Virginia's insurance companies, including Allstate, GEICO, Nationwide, State Farm, USAA, and the Virginia Farm Bureau. Since 1997, Erie Insurance, Farmers Group, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Liberty Mutual, Progressive and Rockingham Group have also joined the organization. Alfa Alliance Insurance joined the organization in 2008.
Members of the Board of Directors include leaders from private industry, state and federal government, law enforcement, military, media, and traffic safety organizations.
In May of 1996, Drive Smart Virginia entered a private-public partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia, both parties pledging to work together to reduce traffic related injuries and fatalities.