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Teen driving deaths in Virginia are on the rise, and safety advocates say families need to act now.

As cooler temperatures settle in and shades of crimson, gold and orange blanket the commonwealth, there's no better time to roll down the car windows, hit the road and discover everything Virginia has to offer. And don’t forget to pack the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) new, free Official State Transportation Map before you begin your journey.

A Virginia State Trooper was injured when his car was hit by a wrong-way driver traveling at high speed on Interstate 295 in Prince George County early Sunday morning, according to reports.

There’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon for new and better headlight regulations in the U.S., as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced on Tuesday it is moving to modernize our vehicle lighting standards.

It happens every year — the arrival of autumn brings cooler temperatures and leaves starting to change, as well raising the risk of drivers colliding with deer.

And this year, the cost of repairs after a deer collision continues to rise.

Thanks to advancements in technology, some of the best safety features are standard. Here are three of the most important safety features I look for as an expert car reviewer who tests vehicles in different classes, segments, and price ranges.

Three juveniles are dead and a fourth is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after a stolen vehicle crashed on Interstate 395 in Alexandria, Virginia, early Monday morning, according to Virginia State Police.

Hyundai is recalling 14,551 of its Kona small SUVs due to a problem with seatbelt anchors that could result in the safety features not operating properly.

Car seats look simple until you’re actually buckling a squirming toddler into one at 7 a.m. And as it turns out, I’ve been getting small things wrong the whole time, right along with most other parents.

Every emergency response requires a difficult balance: reaching the scene as quickly as possible while protecting firefighters, motorists, and pedestrians along the way. While emergency vehicle operators are highly trained, the challenges they face continue to grow. Congested roadways, distracted drivers, crowded urban environments, and limited visibility around large apparatus all increase the risk of a collision during a response.

ADAS-equipped vehicles may crash less often, but they can cost more when they do. This week, we’re breaking down what that tradeoff means for fleets, plus Subaru’s first Forester Wilderness Hybrid, Nissan’s new e-POWER Rogue, and why Calstart has become Catalyst Mobility.

Mike Lutzenkirchen is sharing his son’s story with teens and young adults in hopes of preventing fatal crashes caused by unsafe driving.

Police say a 13-year-old was driving a car that crashed on the northbound ramp of the Fairfax County Parkway for part of the morning on Sunday.

Law enforcement personnel throughout North America interacted with 8,083 drivers on roadways during this year's Operation Safe Driver Week and issued 3,968 warnings and 2,604 tickets/citations to commercial motor vehicle (CMV) and passenger vehicle (PV) drivers for unsafe driving.

A good Fleet Hack doesn't have to reinvent an operation. Sometimes, it starts with questioning a process that's been done the same way for years.

For this edition of Fleet Hacks, three fleet professionals share approaches they've put into practice: understanding the job before replacing the vehicle, turning repetitive emails into reusable templates, and using AI to check fleet data.

Parents should consider limiting the amount of night driving their children do and the number of passengers they carry in order to cut road casualties, a police campaign says.

Accidents caused by drowsy driving are far more widespread than official crash reports may suggest. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that drowsy driving was responsible for 644 fatal traffic accidents in 2024 alone.

The U.S. Department of Transportation published its 2026 National Roadway Safety Strategy in August, focusing on safer people, safer roads and safer vehicles while also calling for a national strategy for autonomous vehicles and placing more emphasis on the role of law enforcement in road safety.

Since it began collecting near-miss data for local roads in 2021, Northern Virginia Families for Safe Streets has accumulated more evidence that such close calls between drivers and other travelers reflect patterns of behavior, rather than random or one-time slip-ups.

A large segment of of U.S. drivers (85%) reported they’re safer than average, despite admitting risky habits, according to a new Arity survey.

The death of D.C. resident and cyclist Oludare Adekoya, who was killed in a crash Tuesday in Logan Circle, is prompting an outpouring of concern as well as calls for safety improvements in the area.

In partnership with Drive Safe Hampton Roads and regional high schools, students will work with school administrators and DSHR volunteers to educate and reinforce buckling up.

Two men died in the past week after collisions while riding electric bikes on D.C. streets, according to police.

Driving feels automatic, which makes it deceptively dangerous with dementia. It draws on memory, visual processing, judgment, divided attention and reaction speed simultaneously, and dementia can erode any of those while leaving the mechanics of operating a car intact.

A cracked taillight catches a driver’s eye during a walkaround or a warning light flickers on halfway through the route. Maybe a bumper feels a little loose after a tight job site maneuver. None of it seems serious enough to stop the truck, call maintenance, and throw the day's schedule off.

The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) announced Monday that it will launch “Operation Safe Right Turn,” which will focus on pedestrian and crosswalk safety.

Virginia is moving closer to regulating self-driving vehicles, with lawmakers and experts recently agreeing on a plan ahead of the next legislative session as the technology expands and safety concerns grow.

After collecting reports on hundreds of near-miss crashes over the last year and a half, Northern Virginia Families for Safe Streets is calling on Alexandria to deploy new authority over stop sign cameras and other measures to address driver behaviors.

The Tire Rack Street Survival program will hold a one-day teen driving school on Sunday, Oct. 4, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Salem Civic Center.

Rural roads across Virginia carry a mix of daily commuters, delivery trucks, and farm machinery, often on the very same stretch of pavement. A tractor pulling equipment can move at a fraction of the speed limit, which creates a gap that catches many drivers off guard.

A new national survey from the Governors Highway Safety Association found that nearly half of children riding the school bus have had a close call with a dangerous driver. The survey also found that 53% of parents believe dangerous driving continues because drivers don’t think they’ll be caught.

Two 14-year-olds were seriously hurt when the electric dirt bike they were riding ran into an SUV in Ashburn, Virginia, on Wednesday, authorities said.

A 33-year-old woman is dead and an 11-year-old girl is hurt after a single-vehicle crash in Goochland County early Wednesday morning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reminding parents that children should wear a seat belt during every vehicle trip.

Four months after her son was struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver while walking home along Broad Street, Sharon Driver is still standing at the spot where she lost him — spreading a message she hopes will save someone else's life.

A Safety Service Patrol worker is dead after a crash on Interstate 64 in Newport News early Saturday.

Accidents happen all across the globe every single day at every single hour. Decades ago, marking the “distracted by device” box wasn’t an option for police because devices didn’t exist. Today, those same devices are all too often the issue, and a new study reveals something even more worrying. Police don’t realize just how often those devices might play a role.

A new statewide effort is underway to remind teens to be safe on the roads. New parking lot signs are being delivered to every high school in Virginia.

There are increased patrols this holiday as part of Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
CBS6 spoke to a Henrico mom whose son was hit and killed by a driver charged with a DUI.

School leaders in Fairfax County are taking a closer look at how students get to and from school safely, just one week after a student at a Reston high school was hit by a driver on their way to class.

Two drivers have been charged with reckless driving following a fiery crash that killed three people, including a juvenile, Sunday afternoon on the Interstate 66 Express Lanes in Fairfax County, according to Virginia State Police.

A 13-year-old riding a bike was killed after being hit by a large truck in Fairfax County, police say.

A novel study from Virginia Tech and Zoox, the Amazon-owned autonomous ride-hailing company, provides a promising answer: through sound. The research was published at the 28th Enhanced Safety of Vehicles Conference, which was sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada.

Ten people died in eight crashes across Virginia over Labor Day weekend, including three pedestrians and three others in Fairfax County.

More than 1.27 million Ram 1500 pickup trucks in the United States are being recalled because one or more second-row seat-belt buckle anchors may not have been properly attached to the truck’s body structure during assembly.

Virginia State Police (VSP) responded to a double fatality crash in Frederick County on Thursday night.

As part of a statewide anti-drunk driving initiative, Virginia officials have launched the 25th annual drunk driving enforcement and public awareness effort, Drive Sober or Get Pulled over, which started Aug. 18 and continues through the Labor Day holiday weekend, Sept. 4-7.

Whether we're driving, walking or biking, roadway safety depends on the choices each of us makes every day.

Our State Farm research on pedestrian safety reveals that whether we're behind the wheel or on foot, staying focused is something we all have a role in1.

VDOT will be suspending many highway work zones and lifting most lane closures on interstates and other major roads in Virginia from noon on Friday, Sept. 4, until noon on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Keeping your eyes on the road is becoming more difficult as cars become more technologically advanced. Thankfully, these 9 features can help reduce distracted driving.

Parents eager to graduate their children to an adult seat belt may be doing it too soon, according to new findings from AAA and the National Safety Council.

Two people were injured following a road rage incident that led to a shooting along Interstate 77 on Saturday morning, Virginia State Police said.

With students heading back to school this week, every high school in Virginia is set to receive new teen safe-driving parking lot signs through the Gweedo Memorial Foundation and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. More than 100 schools have already received the signs, which promote safe driving habits among students.

Virginia Farm Bureau’s ongoing commitment to safer roadways and rural communities was celebrated at the 2026 Distracted Driving Summit, where two Farm Bureau safety advocates were recognized for their efforts to improve transportation safety across the commonwealth.

As a new academic year brings a vibrant energy to Virginia Commonwealth University and downtown Richmond, the VCU Police Department is reminding the community that everyone plays a role in public safety.

A statewide contest is underway that is giving students a chance to put their creativity into high gear and promote traffic safety.

A Virginia State Police trooper was injured and a North Carolina driver is facing a reckless driving charge after a Monday night crash at a work zone on Interstate 95 in Chesterfield County.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office will increase impaired-driving enforcement on Saturday, Aug. 29, as part of a coordinated Saturation Saturday effort ahead of the Labor Day weekend.

Distracted driving due to the use of mobile phones while behind the wheel is a widely-known problem these days—and one that is grossly underreported, according to a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

As your child grows, you may start to wonder when it’s OK to let them sit in the front seat of your car. Perhaps you’re shuttling them from activity to activity, or maybe you’ve noticed some of their peers sitting in the front seat at school pickup, and you’re questioning whether to make the move yourself.

Virginia State Police is gearing up for a busy holiday weekend with more safety checks to prevent drunk driving during Labor Day.
Here's one Mother's Story.

A mural on Richmond’s south side is part of a campaign by Drive Smart Virginia called “Suck It Up, Buckle Up” aimed at getting more drivers to slow down and wear their seat belts.

Three in ten drivers agreed with that statement in a new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS), highlighting how speeding has become normalized on today’s roads.

Operation DISS-RUPT – the acronym sorta, kinda spells out Distracted driving, Impaired driving,  Speed compliance and Seat belt safety – runs over a 48-hour period on Thursday and Friday of this week along the 299 miles of Interstate 64 in the Commonwealth.

Police say speeding is the biggest issue with impaired drivers. News4's Adam Tuss reports.

A new safety camera is in place at the intersection of Midlothian Turnpike and German School Road in Richmond.

Drivers are feeling the impact of a major construction project on the I-395 HOV/Express Lanes bridge between Virginia and D.C.

The work is affecting traffic in both directions, with northbound drivers being forced onto 14th Street except during peak hours.

Virginia officials Aug. 19 are launching the state's 25th annual drunk driving enforcement and public awareness effort, "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over." The campaign will run through Sept. 7 and will include 111 Virginia law enforcement agencies conducting 665 individual saturation patrols and 58 sobriety checkpoints statewide.

From Covington to Hampton Roads, the next phase of Operation DISS-RUPT will span the entire 299 miles of Interstate 64. The traffic enforcement and educational safety initiative will focus on Distracted driving, Impaired driving, Speed compliance, and Seat belt safety.

Every school year, Tammy Guido McGee thinks about her son Connor. He was 16 years old when he died in a car crash in 2019. Now, she is turning that grief into action one high school parking lot at a time.

Virginia officials launched the Commonwealth’s 25th annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign Wednesday, a heightened enforcement and public awareness effort aimed at keeping impaired drivers off the roads through the Labor Day holiday.

Newport News Public Schools is reminding drivers to stop for school buses as students return to school.

Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal crash involving two cars that took place on Thursday.

Virginia is asking the public to weigh in on the biggest safety problems facing the state’s roads as officials work on a new five-year plan.

Two 17-year-old boys are dead and another is hurt after a late night car crash in Henrico.

Students around southern West Virginia are headed back to school throughout August 2026.

That means, among other things, that there are going to be more new drivers on the roads. Deputy Chief Shannon Prince of the Oak Hill Police Department said it is important to keep your attention on the road, and not elsewhere.

If you’re planning to take Interstate 64 through the Historic Triangle this week, you may notice more Virginia State Police vehicles along the highway.

A free teen driver training event is coming to Roanoke next weekend, and organizers say spots are still available.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reminding drivers that safe driving habits can reduce the risk of serious crashes.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is asking Virginians to share their experiences and concerns about roadway safety as the agency updates its five-year Strategic Highway Safety Plan.

Schools are back in session. Kids getting to and from school face a safety risk whether they are riding in a car, walking to the bus stop, riding their bike or scooter or walking the whole way.

Henrico County’s “SAFE Program” is a unique, new way to combat reckless driving, with a high success rate after just six months in operation.

Three rising seniors at J.R. Tucker High School are designing the future of safety for school buses in an effort to stop illegal bus passing.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today announced a $20 million investment to deploy cutting-edge traffic safety enforcement innovations. These tools target dangerous driving behaviors to make roads safer for American families.

School Safety Starts with Drivers

AAA urges drivers to slow down, eliminate distractions, and remain alert in school zones and residential neighborhoods. Children may cross unexpectedly, rush toward a bus stop, or emerge from between parked vehicles.

Virginia is closer to regulating self-driving vehicles, which have steadily increased nationwide despite continued concerns over safety.

As students prepare to return to the classroom, the American Red Cross is reminding families, teachers and motorists to take steps to help keep children safe during the back-to-school season.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has launched its first-ever cannabis-impaired driving campaign, encouraging Virginians to make the safe choice: if you get high to relax, then relaxxxxx. Don’t drive high.

A deadly crash has shut down all northbound lanes of Interstate 295, just north of the Varina-Enon Bridge in Henrico County.

It only takes a split second of distraction for a life to change forever. That's why the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office says they've been cranking up enforcement of the state’s hands-free law in an effort to prevent more deadly crashes.

In 2025, 31 children died of heatstroke in vehicles in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Vehicle safety technologies can help mitigate these tragedies — but only if they are used as intended, said Laurel Glenn, a research associate at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.

Drivers in Lynchburg can expect major changes at one of the city's busiest intersections as a $64 million state-funded project aims to improve traffic flow and safety at the Candlers Mountain Road interchange on the Lynchburg Expressway.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is asking the public to provide input on their experiences and concerns about roadway safety.

Expert driving instructors with Fairfax County police gave News4’s Adam Tuss a rare inside look at the training they give their officers about safe driving in the hopes that everyday drivers become safer.

On Monday, the Town of Blacksburg announced the future implementation of automated speed safety cameras near Gilbert Linkous Elementary and Blacksburg Middle School.

Drivers traveling through one of Lynchburg's busiest intersections can expect construction for the next year as work begins on a new roundabout designed to improve safety and traffic flow.

Fairfax County has installed new wayfinding signs on the 66 Parallel Trail to make it easier for cyclists and pedestrians to navigate, but county officials say more improvement is coming on key gaps to improve overall trail connectivity.

Stellantis NV said Friday it will recall just over 1.5 million Ram 1500 pickup trucks worldwide over a seat belt issue.

From July 31 to August 2, as fairgoers enjoy rides and games at the Prince William County Fair, they’ll be greeted by a 54-foot yellow ladder used by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to showcase the dangers of speeding. The award-winning display will be unveiled as Prince William County kicks off Traffic Awareness Month this August.

Understanding your car's safety tech is the first step to safer driving. These 10 essential features keep you focused, alert, and protected.

The Department of Transportation's message is loud and clear. Despite reclassifying some medical marijuana as a lesser drug by the Justice Department, it’s still prohibited for those in safety-sensitive positions covered under 49 CFR Part 40, including commercial drivers.

Among the pain points that come with fleet, there are two specific operations frustrations that can cause long-term stress. The constraints of stretched budgets and keeping vehicles in service longer than planned are areas that require immediate addressing to avoid scrambling for an answer when downtime is unavoidable.

A driver died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after a brief chase Sunday morning, according to the Hanover County Sheriff's Office.

A motorcyclist was killed in a crash overnight in Woodbridge, according to police.

Despite the addition of more than one billion motor-vehicles to the world’s roads, the global rate of road traffic deaths declined by 21% between 2011 and 2025, according to new data released by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Under new legislation effective July 1, a judge must order a person convicted of reckless driving over 100 mph — a so-called “super speeder” — to install an intelligent speed assistance device in their vehicle. Judges have the option to mandate the use of the device for reckless driving convictions on a restricted license instead of fully suspending a person’s driver’s license.

Virginia, which once had the worst seat belt usage rate in the nation is seeing a major improvement in seat belt use after the passage of a new law.

A Wythe County high school student has transformed a community tragedy into a rallying cry for awareness.

With multiple flood alerts issued through Friday morning, it's important that we use plenty of caution on the roads. Here are some things to remember before you drive!

Drivers on the 66 Express Outside the Beltway may soon see a new custom-built incident response vehicle designed to improve safety for both motorists and roadway crews responding to crashes and disabled vehicles along the corridor.

A teen driving course coming to Roanoke for the first time this August aims to put the brakes on youth car accidents.

A-top-us-automaker-has-recalled-25-million-vehicles-since-june-which-makes-and-models-are-impacted.

A 9-year-old boy who died after an electric scooter crash in a Herndon-area neighborhood Thursday afternoon was not wearing a helmet, and preliminary evidence indicates he collided with the rear passenger side of a minivan as it entered the townhouse community, Fairfax County police said Friday.

The AAA Foundation is calling out drivers, both distracted and distracters. In a recent study, the organization found that drivers are great at noticing and recognizing dangerous, distracted behavior portrayed by other drivers, but they are also pretty bad at acknowledging their own distractions.

A new pedestrian signal and crosswalk at the intersection of Robious Road, Cranbeck Road, and Mall Drive is now open, giving residents a safer way to cross one of Chesterfield’s busiest intersections. Drivers traveling through will notice several new features to make crossing the road safer, marking another step in the county’s ongoing investment in pedestrian safety.

From the heavy rain that can make roads slick to the dust storms that can make the road ahead nearly disappear, drivers during an intense monsoon can find themselves in difficult situations to manage.

A Virginia State Police trooper clocked a speeding car just before 4 a.m. Thursday at the northbound mile marker 19 on Interstate 85 in Brunswick County, triggering a high-speed pursuit that reached more than 100 mph.

Operation Safe Driver Week is July 15 through July 18 and “focuses on reckless, careless, and dangerous driving, including speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and failure to obey traffic laws,” said AAA. These closely relates to AAA’s Crashes Hit Different campaign, “which urges drivers to address the leading contributors to traffic injuries and fatalities: speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and failure to wear a seatbelt,” said AAA.

A memorial public bus ride this Saturday in memory of Joshua Driver, a Henrico teenager who was fatally struck by a drunk driver on West Broad Street near Willard Road last month, is meant to raise awareness about the dangers to pedestrians.

Hyundai is recalling more than 47,000 Kona SUVs in the U.S. after discovering a defect with the rear center seat belt buckle that could increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Cell phone distraction represents a huge and growing risk to logistics fleets. Federal government research estimates that 6.4% of drivers use a handheld or hands-free cell phone during any moment of the day.

Hyundai is recalling more than 47,000 vehicles due to a seat belt issue that could increase the risk of injury in a crash.

A Virginia man was indicted Friday in connection with a pedestrian crash in April that left a 62-year-old woman dead, according to Alexandria police.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Operation Safe Driver Week is scheduled for July 12-18. This year's ficus is on reckless, careless or dangerous driving.

Virginia State Police have reported that 15 people died in 14 crashes over the Independence Day weekend.

More than 12,000 people die in the United States each year as a result of impaired driving. To combat this public safety issue, a federal law may soon require automakers to incorporate biometric monitoring systems in new vehicles.

A new study shows that Virginia is one of the best states in the country for delivering safety and mobility benefits with the commonwealth generating an estimated $1.95 billion in safety and reliability value as a result of fewer crashes, less property damage and more dependable travel.

Still, researchers said, there is still more work to be done.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is proposing to give heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers three additional years to comply with updated seat belt assembly anchorage standards, according to a June 26 filing.

Many new vehicles come equipped with advanced safety features that can steer, accelerate and brake with limited driver input. Robotaxis are also making inroads.
But according to the Arlington, Virginia-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, while the technology is helping prevent crashes, there are still questions about how it affects driver behavior and how safe it is compared to human drivers

Major construction and safety improvements continue along Interstate 81 across Virginia, with projects underway from Bristol to Winchester as state transportation officials work to reduce congestion, improve safety, and prepare the corridor for future growth.

On average, adult drivers with ADHD in one study got into a crash every two years, and people with severe ADHD symptoms averaged one accident a year. A large study in JAMA Pediatrics found that teen and young adult drivers with ADHD were 36% more likely to get into car accidents compared to drivers without ADHD.

A Chesterfield County man is in custody after a shooting on Interstate 64 eastbound that the Virginia State Police believe stemmed from road rage.

A Virginia State Police trooper was injured after being struck by a wrong-way driver on Interstate 95 in Fairfax County on Thursday.

A motorcyclist was killed and a 16-year-old driver is facing multiple charges, including DUI manslaughter, after a crash in James City County early Sunday morning, according to police.

It has never been easier to order almost anything and expect it to arrive within days, or sometimes even hours. Behind that convenience, however, is a trucking industry working under constant pressure to keep freight moving across the country.

The consequences are becoming increasingly visible on America's roads. According to the National Safety Council, 5,340 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks in 2024.

Drive Safe Hampton Roads, a coalition of public and private organizations with the mission of improving roadway safety and reducing deaths and injuries from vehicle crashes, will partner with rideshare company Lyft to provide free sober rides valued up to $15 July 3-5 from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Nearly 100,000 Hyundai Tucsons are being recalled, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

From speed-limiting devices for reckless drivers to new gun restrictions, criminal record sealing, workplace protections, and easier subscription cancellations, Virginians will notice significant legal changes beginning July 1.

As part of its efforts to increase safety and reduce traffic fatalities on Virginia’s highways during the Fourth of July holiday, Virginia State Police will be joining law enforcement around the country for the Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E), a state-sponsored, national program intended to reduce crashes, fatalities, and injuries due to impaired driving, speeding, and failing to wear a seat belt. The Fourth of July statistical counting period begins at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2026. State Police will increase patrols with a specific focus on July 2 and July 5, which are expected to be the busiest travel days.

A driver glances at a text. A parent reaches for a dropped sippy cup. A delivery worker taps through a navigation app at 65 mph. Nobody set out to hurt anyone, but the wreck is as real as any other.

So why does distracted driving keep slipping past the way we talk about road safety?

Each year, Operation Safe Driver Week gives fleets an opportunity to take a fresh look at driver safety before the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's annual enforcement campaign begins. The initiative combines education with increased law enforcement presence across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to encourage safer driving behaviors among drivers of both commercial motor vehicles and passenger vehicles.

Traffic-safety proponents on Tuesday (June 30) hailed a new Virginia law they believe will provide another tool to address reckless “super-speeders” on Virginia roadways.

A crash by the Pocahontas Parkway headquarters building was actually staged to draw attention to the dangers for first responders as a part of Global Road Safety Week and the Move Over campaign, which aims to make drivers more aware about the need to let emergency vehicles safely pass.

Nearly a month after 16-year-old Joshua Driver was hit and killed by a suspected drunk driver along West Broad Street, his family is working with a local organization to push for safety improvements at the intersection.

July 1 marks the time many laws across the commonwealth go into effect from this year’s general assembly session. AAA applauds this year’s session for the many laws that protect our roadways.

Fairfax County police said Friday that five people were killed in crashes across the county in a 48-hour period, prompting officials to urge drivers and pedestrians to slow down and pay attention ahead of the holiday weekend.

With summer underway, AAA officials reminded drivers to stay safe behind the wheel as novice drivers are hitting the roads. Meanwhile, local first responders are already seeing serious crashes on the road.

Pedestrian deaths in the U.S. have jumped 78% since 2009, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. Overall traffic fatalities rose just 13% over the same stretch. That gap isn't a statistical quirk. It's a body count with a design problem baked in — and the vehicles filling American driveways are a central part of the explanation.

July 4th is just around the corner. People are gearing up to ring in the 250th birthday of the United States of America with fireworks and fanfare.

Officials urge anyone planning to celebrate with a few drinks to factor in how they’ll get home.

The Virginia State Police (VSP) announced that the agency will conduct an operation to crack down on distracted driving and other dangers on Interstate 81.

Meanwhile, organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have moved the goalposts in their safety assessments, requiring manufacturers to build ever-safer vehicles. The IIHS, for instance, has made the highest "Top Safety Pick+" award harder to reach in 2026, asking for more protection of pedestrians and backseat passengers. Even so, 45 vehicles were awarded "Top Safety Pick+" this year, highlighting the latest advancements in safety. 

July 1 marks one year since a new seat belt law took effect, requiring everyone in a vehicle, front or back, to buckle up.

It has also been nearly six years since Christopher King, for whom the law is dedicated, died while riding in the back seat of a car that went airborne and landed on its side. Everyone else in the vehicle was wearing a seat belt and survived. King did not. The Christopher King Foundation says the law’s implementation was a major step, but there is still more work to be done.

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association says properly maintained tires improve vehicle safety and can help prevent costly roadside emergencies.

Data shows that lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring are beneficial for vehicle and pedestrian safety. But things get more complicated when software handles more of the driving and cabins feature bigger touchscreens with fewer buttons.

As summer travel increases across Virginia, state officials and safety advocates are emphasizing the importance of safe driving during what has traditionally been known as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer.”

Day 26 of the 100 deadliest days of summer has arrived, and Virginia State Police are joining forces with the Gweedo Memorial Foundation to launch the 100 Safest Days of Summer campaign.

The ATRI is asking carriers who have deployed DFCs to participate in the new “Safety Impacts of In-Cab Monitoring” research study.

The DMV is changing their approach to seat belt safety, focusing on the lives people can keep living when they buckle up, rather than the lives lost when they don't.

Virginia is among the first states in the country to allow automated enforcement at stop signs and crosswalks after Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed SB84 into law in April.

The central question for policy makers is not whether AVs can be dramatically safer than those driven by flawed humans. The questions we must ask are: what is sufficiently safe, and who decides?

Research commissioned by IAM RoadSmart in cooperation with the Transport Research Laboratory found that reaction times when using Apple CarPlay on a touchscreen were delayed by 57% - worse than texting while driving at 35%, and substantially worse than driving at the legal alcohol limit of 0.08%, which produced a 12% delay.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is preparing for the agency’s next major commercial vehicle enforcement operation kicking off in July.

CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week will take place throughout North America from July 12 — 18, 2026.

Four of the five people killed in the bus crash on I-95 en route to Charlotte were in one vehicle, according to the preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

As summer traffic picks up across Northern Virginia, the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) is stepping up enforcement again, warning drivers to stay alert or risk being caught by the “Road Sharks.”

Excessive speed joins distracted driving and driving under the influence among the causes often cited by authorities for the deaths and injuries that happen too often, here in Virginia and elsewhere.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced multiple vehicle recalls affecting passenger vehicles, trucks, SUVs, vans and recreational vehicles.

The recalls involve vehicles manufactured by Volkswagen, K.Z., General Motors, Chrysler, Bentley, Nissan, Honda, Ford, Toyota, Subaru, Volvo Trucks, Mercedes-Benz, Kia and Braun Corporation.

Virginia State Police have installed speed safety cameras in work zones along I-81. The cameras are now in Botetourt and Roanoke counties between mile markers 143 and 150.

Excessive speed joins distracted driving and driving under the influence among the causes often cited by authorities for the deaths and injuries that happen too often, here in Virginia and elsewhere.

Honda is recalling more than 880,000 SUVs and pickup trucks in the U.S. because a key rear suspension part can rust and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

IIHS researchers looked at nearly 600,000 car trips from July to October 2024 across the United States. They found that phone use while driving on freeways and other “limited-access roads” increased 12% for every 5 mph over the speed limit.

Stellantis is recalling more than 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles globally due to a potential fire risk. The recall affects 2021-2025 model-year Jeep Wrangler SUVs and Gladiator pickups.

Fleet managers should be ready to answer four key questions when sizing up their safety practices and overall approach: How strong is your safety culture? Is your team living and breathing safety? Are we really living our values? Are we truly providing safety leadership?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a notice and request for comments[1] on its intention to request Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for a new information collection on contextual Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS).

The bus driver who faces charges after five people were killed in a chain-reaction crash on I-95 in Stafford County, Virginia, was scheduled to appear in court this week for a speeding ticket, court records say.

The Prince William County Department of Transportation recently received two $80,000 grants from the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board, or TPB, through the FY27 Transportation Land-Use Connections and Regional Roadway Safety Program grant programs to support a countywide parking demand study and a neighborhood traffic study in the Maplewood area near Yorkshire.

The speed cameras on Interstate 64 in New Kent County have netted the county almost $7 million in revenue since the program began last summer.
The county plans to hold a public hearing this month to consider how to use up to $6.25 million of the funds, which have been collected since the speed cameras went up in August.

Ford Motor Company will recall ​419,967 vehicles in the U.S. ‌as seat belts that do not retract or extend properly can ​fail to restrain occupants as ​intended, increasing the risk of ⁠injury in a crash, the ​U.S. auto regulator said on ​Wednesday.

Authorities are investigating after two people were killed in a wrong‑way crash Saturday on Interstate 95 in Caroline County.

Fairfax County police are launching a summer traffic safety push aimed at cracking down on dangerous driving behaviors from how motorists handle the wheel to how loud their vehicles sound.

A busy stretch of Plantation Road could soon look different as county leaders move forward with a pedestrian safety plan following concerns about crashes and a lack of sidewalks near high-traffic stores.

After a deadly bus crash in a work zone in Northern Virginia, VDOT is reminding Virginians to be hyper vigilant on the highway to avoid a deadly crash.

A commercial bus crash in Virginia that killed five people and injured dozens of others has raised questions about the driver, the company that employed him and the overall safety of the industry.

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced nine models were jointly recommended by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Consumer Reports for both new and used vehicles for teen drivers.

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the "100 deadliest days" on the road — a stretch that sees a significant spike in deadly teen crashes. According to AAA, more than 30 percent of deadly teen crashes happen during these summer months.

"We lose more teenagers now than any other time of year," Gweedo McGee said.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is joining forces with the Virginia High School League (VHSL) to launch the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” campaign, urging drivers to wear seat belts and put down their phones.

It's been raining for days and with people on the roads, it's good to know how to stay safe when driving. AAA has some tips on how to protect yourself.

Ready to hand over the car keys to a teenager for the first time? The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Consumer Reports are out with a list of cars to help get them safely from point A to point B.

Sixty percent of highway contractors experienced at least one crash involving a moving vehicle in a work zone during the past year, according to a new survey from the Associated General Contractors of America and software provider Heavy Construction Systems Specialists. About one-third reported five or more crashes.

Self-driving cars aren’t yet permitted to operate in Virginia. But Alphabet-owned Waymo began transporting its cars to the state last week, a Waymo representative told Virginia officials, to map Arlington and Alexandria, in the northern part of the state.

From June 1 to 5, 2026, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will recognize Our Roads, Our Safety®, an annual safety observance focused on improving road safety and working toward zero roadway fatalities. During the event, FMCSA encourages drivers to make safe choices, especially in work zones.

Federal officials are investigating what led to the deadly bus crash on Interstate 95 in Stafford County, Virginia, Friday morning that left five people dead and dozens more injured.

As summer begins and more teen drivers take to the roads, officials are warning families that the “100 deadliest days of summer” are underway, a period when fatal crashes typically rise sharply.

A bicyclist died after colliding with an SUV in Lynchburg Saturday, according to Lynchburg Police.

Traffic deaths fell in Virginia in 2025, according to preliminary data released by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Parents often joke about their teens being a "hazard on the road," but fatal motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens.1 In 2023, it accounted for nearly 50% of all teen deaths between the ages of 15-24.2 The fatal crash rate for 16- to 19-year-old drivers is almost three times higher than that of drivers 20 and older.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will be suspending many highway work zones and lifting temporary lane closures on interstates and other major roads in Virginia from noon on Friday, May 22 until noon on Tuesday, May 26.

“A lot of honking, flipping off, the hand signals are flying,” said Taylor Price, a driver.

The link between heat and aggression has been researched for decades. One of the first studies was done 40 years ago in 1986, which found that aggressive horn honking happened more frequently when temperatures rose.

A more recent study in 2024 found that a 50°F increase in temperature typically led to a 9% increase in violence.

Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety will host a carnival-themed Summer Leadership Retreat at James Madison University from July 16-19, 2026. The event costs $15 per person.

Safety officials are warning drivers about the upcoming "100 deadliest days" on the roads, a period between Memorial Day and Labor Day that sees a spike in fatal teen crashes nationwide.

One family’s tragedy is at the center of a growing national fight over whether automakers should be required to make cars better at recognizing the people outside the vehicle — not just the ones inside it.

Magnus White was 17 years old.

With Memorial Day in the works, many people plan to make the most of it. But everyone will have to decide how to get home after the festivities.

Gweedo McGee says distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and too many passengers in a car are among the biggest risks for teens during the summer months. With schools letting out and more young drivers on the roads, advocates urge parents to start conversations now about safe driving habits.

Virginia State Police is reminding all drivers, young and old, to drive safe, smart, and sober as we head into the Memorial Day weekend and summer. Last year, in 2025, there were nine fatalities on Virginia roadways during the four-day statistical counting period for the Memorial Day holiday.

Virginia State Police are preparing to activate new speed safety cameras Monday along I-81, in both the northbound and southbound lanes between mile markers 143 and 150.

VSP announced in a press release that its divisions in Richmond, Fairfax, Culpeper and Chesapeake will conduct “Operation DISS-rupt” throughout the 179 miles of I-95 in Virginia on Monday, May 18 and Tuesday, May 19.

Richmond isn’t the largest, busiest or most confusing city to navigate in Virginia, but for pedestrians, it is the most dangerous.

Since launching in 2012, Project IMPACT has hosted upwards of 20 mock crash simulations at high schools around Central Virginia. The initiative is part of the educational mission of VCU Medical Center, the region’s only Level I trauma center. In addition to comprehensive clinical care, the trauma center also focuses on research and community outreach to reduce and prevent traumatic injuries.

A driver of an SUV was taken to the hospital Thursday morning after being hit by a tractor trailer on Interstate 95 Southbound in Stafford County, Virginia State Police reported.

The Concord Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) is getting an upgrade that helps both the firefighters and motorists. Rescue 13 & Engine 13-1 with the CVFD introduces the implementation of a HAAS Alert Safety Cloud.

As part of the safety improvement project at the intersection of Route 658 (Laymantown Road) and Route 460, Laymantown Road will be closed during the summer beginning Thursday, May 21, 2026. A detour will be in place.

State Highway patrol says a wrong way crash on Highway 75 left a couple people fighting for their lives and troopers believe impairment did play a role.
Now with the 100 days of summer soon to begin, they are urging drivers don't get behind the wheel after driving.

A man is dead after he was hit by a car in a Henrico County intersection Friday afternoon.

Ask a safety leader at a large fleet what their biggest challenge is. They will never say, “We don’t have enough data,” because most already use cameras, telematics, scorecards, and dashboards.

The United States has a road fatality problem. Heightened safety regulations, anti-impaired driving laws, and road design improvements have forced traffic-related deaths to decline, cutting deaths per capita in half since 1972. However, vehicular deaths have also increased by over 10% between 2019 and 2023. 12,000 of these deaths, almost 30%, were related to excessive speeds. And while some lawmakers are adding automated cameras to address speeding, others have opted for a more direct approach.

Traffic safety advocates and Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) officials are reminding drivers to follow the state's "Move Over" law following a series of recent crashes that injured first responders and roadside workers.

House Bills 1273 and 1469 would require ride share drivers to undergo a more extensive background check process, including fingerprinting, and raise the minimum driving age to 21.

Teen drivers are inexperienced, take risks, and are easily distracted when they’re behind the wheel. Those factors are among the findings that contribute to what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says is the leading cause of death and injury in teens age 13 to 19 years old: motor vehicle crashes.

The AARP Smart Driver Course, brought to you by AARP Driver Safety (ADS), is the nation’s first and largest refresher course designed specifically for older drivers.

For more than 40 years, millions of people have taken these classroom and online courses to keep their driving knowledge and skills up to date, allowing them to continue driving safely for as long as possible.

There is a course coming up in May in the Roanoke area.

If your kids have an electric bike, you will want to listen to this. Doctors say they are urging you to buy the safety gear with the bike due to an increase of head injuries with Ebikes.

Speed safety cameras will be erected on Interstate 81 in Roanoke County and Botetourt County; they’ll be activated Monday, May 11, 2026 for enforcement, Virginia State Police announced Friday.

HB 1352 would direct the Department of Education to review and update driver-education curriculum and administrative guidance by the 2026–27 school year to emphasize dangers of reckless driving, including teen speeding; sponsor cited local tragedies and sought partnerships with law enforcement and survivor testimony in curricula.

A Richmond woman was killed early Sunday morning on Interstate 95, according to Virginia State Police.

A Chesterfield County man is facing charges after police say he crashed into a tree and left his passenger, a 35-year-old Richmond father, for dead.

Learning took center stage at the 66 Express Outside the Beltway Operations Center in Manassas on Thursday, as more than 150 local high school students participated in an interactive, on-site event designed to prepare them for the wide range of real-world situations they may encounter as new drivers.

Virginia State Police announced Monday that it would be launching a 24-hour highway safety initiative on Route 220 starting May 1.

According to VSP, the safety initiative will span the counties of Allegany, Bath, Botetourt, Franklin, Henry, Highland and Roanoke along 220.

It’s officially prom season for high schoolers across our region, a night of memories students never forget, but with it comes safety tips everyone going out should remember. Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety (YOVASO) works year-round to promote safe driving tips to teens by using their peers to push the message.

Multiple Virginia law enforcement agencies partnered for a commercial vehicle inspection detail that uncovered nearly 200 violations.

Officials urge patience and caution from drivers travelling through work zones.
Sometimes barrels or temporary barriers protect crews working on road projects. Other times, it’s just a 12-pound traffic cone between the workers and vehicles speeding by.

Virginia’s new rideshare safety laws take effect July 1, and lawmakers say the focus is on a basic issue.

They want to make sure the driver who shows up matches the person in the app.

Cell phones have become a major problem for modern roadway safety. Distracted driving accounted for over 3200 deaths in 2024, representing around 8 percent of all fatal crashes in the United States, and a new study published Tuesday by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicates that the issue is more dire than initially thought.

Automated vehicles have been steadily rolling out in U.S. cities, but scaled deployment still faces a daunting challenge: proving the technology can safely navigate the complexity of real-world driving.

Virginia Tech researchers estimate that traditional testing methods could take decades – or hundreds of millions of driving miles – to validate the full range of situations an automated vehicle may encounter.

Virginia teens looking for a mix of summer fun and real-world skills will have a unique opportunity this July at James Madison University.

Being able to drive a car is an important part of maintaining an independent lifestyle. That is especially true for senior citizens, and while driver in their 60's are actually the safest age group when it comes to deadly crashes, after age 70 the reflexes diminish and by age 80 the numbers begin to rise dramatically.

Fairfax County police are relaunching the “Road Shark” initiative starting April 20, targeting speeding, aggressive driving, and distracted driving

A mother and father have been charged with a felony child neglect after their 4-month-old child fell out of their moving car while in a car seat.

National Work Zone Awareness Week begins this week to raise awareness of the dangers of inattention near highway work areas.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. YOVASO, which stands for Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety, works year-round to push driving safety. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the number one cause of death for teens which includes motor vehicle crashes. That’s why YOVASO was created: to get teens to start thinking about driving safety.

As some people mark 4/20 by celebrating marijuana use, Virginia officials are urging drivers to keep safety top of mind and avoid getting behind the wheel after using cannabis.

As some celebrate 4/20, an unofficial holiday for using marijuana, Virginia officials are reminding everyone it’s illegal to drive under the influence of weed.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has unveiled its new initiative, Pathways to Safer Streets (P2SS): A National Traffic Safety Action Plan, to reduce traffic fatalities.

NHTSA’s P2SS will implement eight strategies to target the leading causes of traffic fatalities: impairment, speeding, distraction, and lack of seat belt use.

The Virginia Department of Transportation honored construction workers who lost their lives because of work zone crashes Wednesday. April 22.

VDOT urged people to remember construction zones aren’t just traffic sites, they’re where people go to work each day.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this week celebrated nine individuals and three organizations committed to making roads safer for American families.

Virginia law prohibits holding a cellphone or any manual electronic device while driving. Period. Law enforcement takes this seriously, especially during high-traffic periods and targeted campaigns.

As road safety remains a pressing concern in the United States, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is calling on drivers to take a proactive stance against distracted driving. The campaign emphasizes the slogan: “Eyes Forward. Don’t Drive Distracted.”

A new online tool from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows how specific changes to seat belt laws would affect belt use and fatality rates in each state.

A Fredericksburg man is facing multiple charges after Spotsylvania County deputies investigated a hit-and-run crash, an assault on a deputy and a stolen vehicle case tied to the same pickup truck, according to a sheriff's office news release.

April is Distracted Driver Awareness Month, which means the Virginia Department of Transportation is looking to spread tips and awareness about distracted drivers.

THC breathalyzers are often discussed as a way to detect drivers under the influence, especially as Virginia closes in on a retail cannabis market, but questions remain about their effectiveness.

Distracted driving isn’t just a frequently discussed topic in the trucking industry; it’s a problem that affects everyone. Specifically, the general motoring public is well aware of how cell phone use while driving can be dangerous.

Yet still, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there were 3,208 distracted driving-related fatalities in 2024. Since 2022, there have been no major shifts in the distracted driving death figures despite the overall number of traffic deaths dropping significantly in 2025. If this number is dropping, then why aren’t distracted driving-related deaths?

D.C. police are looking for a driver with Maryland plates after a woman was run over and killed as she was using a crosswalk in the Northwest area on Saturday morning.

s April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, one local mother is turning personal tragedy into a statewide mission to save lives and reshape how young drivers think about safety.

Memorial Day is just around the corner, which means summer is almost here for Americans. AAA refers to this time between Memorial Day and Labor Day as the “100 Deadliest Days” for drivers.

This is due to the fact that more people are on the road than usual, and fatalities rise significantly during this time of year, especially among teen drivers between the ages of 15 and 20.

Work Zone Safety Awareness Week begins Monday, as transportation officials urge drivers to slow down and stay alert in construction areas.

The 18-year-old Spotsylvania resident was clocked in a silver Acura going 108 mph in a 55 mph zone in the 12400 block of Marsh Road in Warrenton, but he did not stop.

Virginia State Police has instituted a photo speed enforcement program to reduce the number of work zone speeding violations under Virginia Code § 46.2-882.1 while improving safety for highway workers, drivers, and passengers. The Work Zone Speed Safety program is built for safety and built for fairness.

A new DMV campaign in Virginia aims to increase awareness of motorcycles and the people who ride them.

The Richlands Police Department announced that they acquired a new roadway safety device.

Virginia State Police will conduct a highway safety enforcement initiative, “Operation Road Watch,” along the Route 29 corridor on Saturday. The operation aims to enhance highway safety and reduce crashes caused by distracted driving.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) students received a lesson in pedestrian safety on Wednesday, April 8, as VCU police hosted a safety fair to bring awareness to a key issue on campus.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 294,128 vehicles in the U.S. due to a defect that could cause seat belt anchors to detach, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Friday.

April is Distracted Driver Awareness Month, which means the Virginia Department of Transportation is looking to spread tips and awareness about distracted drivers.

A man is dead, and another one was hurt following a car crash in Woodbridge, Virginia, on Friday afternoon.

THC breathalyzers are often discussed as a way to detect drivers under the influence, especially as Virginia closes in on a retail cannabis market, but questions remain about their effectiveness.

When NASCAR star Ross Chastain returns to Martinsville Speedway this weekend for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 250, his car will feature more than just the No. 92—it will carry a lifesaving message about the importance of safe driving.

Janusz Jeremiasz Filipiak ’05 recently extended his family’s extraordinary legacy of leveraging higher education to foster innovation by giving $2.5 million to advance potentially lifesaving traffic safety research at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and create a scholarship program in the College of Engineering.

April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a nationwide effort urging motorists to reduce risky behaviors and commit to safer driving. Throughout the month, traffic safety officials are emphasizing that even a split second of inattention can have devastating and lasting consequences.

County officials took to social media on Sunday, March 29, to urge residents to stay cautious as planting season gets underway, leading to an increase in large farm equipment traveling on local roadways.

AAA and other traffic safety organizations came together on Saturday to teach safe driving practices to teenagers in Tidewater.

A grieving father is sharing his son’s story and urging others not to drink and drive after a deadly crash earlier this month in York County.

Authorities say 26-year-old Tyrie Hackett was killed when a driver, allegedly intoxicated and traveling more than 100 miles per hour, slammed into his motorcycle at the intersection of Big Bethel Road and Hampton Highway.

For people ready to hop into spring, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) reminds travelers to buckle up and put the phone down while behind the wheel so that everyone can safely arrive to their destinations during the Easter holiday weekend.

Being stranded on the side of the road can be a frustrating and vulnerable situation, but a Tri-Cities entrepreneur is trying to make getting help a little easier.

As travelers prepare to hit the road for this Easter holiday weekend, the Virginia Department of Transportation wants to remind drivers to buckle up and put their phones down while behind the wheel so everyone can get to and from their destinations safely.

April also marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and VDOT shared the following safety tips:

The Wiper Week initiative will give away windshield wiper replacements and installation absolutely free. Wiper Week is a collaborative initiative to increase safe driving in our nation’s capital and to raise awareness about the importance of visibility on the road – for drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians alike.

Virginia has the top-ranked highway system in the country, but that doesn’t mean drivers are getting an easy ride.

The Chesterfield County Police Department is investigating a deadly crash Monday after a man was struck on a Chesterfield County road.

A new AAA survey reveals a growing concern among drivers: headlight glare. Six in ten drivers say glare is a problem after dark, and nearly three-quarters of those affected believe it has worsened over the past decade.

A Virginia State Police trooper and a Wythe County Sheriff's Department deputy rescued a driver from a burning vehicle along Interstate 81 last week.

Ford Motor Company is recalling select 2020-2026 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator models due to an issue with the seat belts.

Three people were injured midday Tuesday in a two-vehicle crash involving two pedestrians, according to Fredericksburg police.

In mid-March, Hyundai issued both a stop-sale and recall for its model-year 2026 Palisade and Palisade Hybrid three-row SUVs’ Limited and Calligraphy trim levels. The recall involved the vehicles’ second- and third-row power-folding seats and was prompted by a fatal incident involving a child. Now, the automaker is recalling the vehicles again — more than 46,700 of them — this time for the seat belt status indicator.

A baby who was seriously hurt in an interstate crash early Monday morning has died, Virginia State Police said. The driver in that accident, a 14-year-old girl, faces several charges, including driving under the influence.

Ford (NYSE:F) issued a recall affecting approximately 105,322 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs due to potential seatbelt concerns, Reuters reported, citing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says that while crash avoidance systems on some 2026 vehicles have improved, it encourages automakers to make further improvements and demands superior protection for back seat passengers, according to an IIHS press release.

Congress is currently divided over the implementation of new, mandatory anti-drunk driving technology—and now, federal safety regulators are weighing in with a report that casts doubt on the timeline as to how and when the tech could even be implemented in new cars.

An event in the Historic Triangle this week honors a teen who died in a crash in 2019 and taught other teens about the dangers of distracted driving.

While the frigid temperatures and gray skies of winter might seem endless, springtime is always just around the corner. And with warmer, sunny days on the horizon, the time is fast approaching for fleet managers to prepare their vehicles for the change in season.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reminding drivers to reduce their risk of a crash by following basic driving habits every time they get behind the wheel.

Recreational marijuana market legislation has been passed by the General Assembly, and while the number of users will likely continue to grow, many may not know the laws about driving while high.

Virginia has a new program aimed at teaching drivers about the penalties and risks of driving under the influence of cannabis.

VCU Police took to the streets as referees to bring awareness to pedestrian safety.

On March 17, officers participated in their annual “Referee” pedestrian safety event with whistles and flags to improve traffic enforcement.

A crash victim is calling for tougher DWI laws after the woman who hit her allegedly violated her probation, less than a year after being jailed.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is once again asking for public input on a major transportation project in the Shenandoah Valley.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, or IIHS, is best-known for its independent evaluations and rankings of new vehicles and their crashworthiness, but it does a lot more than that. It also encompasses the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), which studies real-world crash data to determine sticking points for safety on U.S. roads. And last week, the IIHS announced that it will release its first safety ratings for cargo vans, work trucks, and other commercial vehicles this spring.

A Virginia State Police trooper and a Wythe County Sheriff’s Department deputy helped a driver to safety after his van caught fire on Interstate 81 on Wednesday.

Ford has issued two recalls affecting nearly 1.74 million of its cars in the U.S., due to software issues that impact the vehicles' rearview camera displays.

Interstate 581 has notoriously short weaving lanes for drivers to enter and exit the roadway. Getting on and off 581 can be a bit tricky in many spots.

A weaving section, or weave lane, is a lane in which drivers can both enter and exit onto a given roadway. In many areas of Roanoke, these lanes are very short.

Women like Tammy Gweedo McGee, a local mother who suffered an unimaginable loss, still grieves, but she uses her pain as a launching point to save lives.

Over the past four years, there have been an average of 77 strikes on non-automated truck-mounted attenuators in Virginia, and more than 50 operator injuries since 2020, according to state lawmakers.

Now, the state is considering using autonomous technology to improve roadside safety in work zones and to explore future commercial use opportunities.

Fatal car crashes are a serious public safety issue, especially in rural areas where roads may have more hazards. This incident highlights the importance of seatbelt use and safe driving practices to prevent such tragedies.

March brings warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours, and increased activity on Fairfax County roadways. As more people head outdoors and travel throughout the county, the Fairfax County Police Department’s Traffic Safety Division is focusing on roadway safety through a combination of enforcement and education initiatives.

St. Patrick’s Day 2026 in Hampton Roads is filled with parades, after parties and events from Williamsburg to Norfolk on March 14th to smaller pub crawls and celebrations all over the area through the 17th. Don’t rely on luck, if you plan to celebrate, include a plan for a sober ride home.

University of Canberra (UC) researchers used a driving simulator to study a range of different driver distractions — visual, cognitive, behavioural/manual and auditory.

Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced Friday the city is suing five more out of state drivers over unpaid traffic tickets, and his office said that the city has gotten ten judgments against previous drivers that have been sued in which they've been ordered to pay $531,192. The DC Attorney General's Office has now sued a total 0f 29 drivers from Maryland and Virginia who it accuses of ignoring D.C. traffic laws.

LifeSafer, a leader in vehicle safety technology, is partnering with NASCAR Regional teen driver Atley Wiese and the Gweedo Memorial Foundation to raise awareness among young drivers about the dangers of speeding – and to educate families on how the use of Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology can help.

The suspect in a highway "road rage incident" Sunday that left one woman and a dog dead and several other women wounded was a Foreign Service Officer, the State Department confirmed to Fox News Digital.

Preliminary analysis from the National Safety Council estimates 37,810 motor vehicle crash deaths in the United States in 2025. That figure represents a 12% decrease from 2024, even as overall miles driven increased by 0.9%. The Council released the data Feb. 24, 2026.

A new tool from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that a change to Virginia’s seat belt law could reduce traffic deaths in the state.

Beginning Friday, March 18, motorists who speed, tailgate or otherwise drive recklessly on an 11-mile stretch of I-95 in Prince William County, Va., face fines up to $2,500.

A man is in the hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a car while riding his bike on Thursday, according to Virginia Beach Police Department.

As we prepare to “spring ahead” this weekend, AAA is warning that the lost hour of sleep and darker mornings can make already dangerous roads even deadlier.

Tammy Gweedo-McGee has spent years turning grief into advocacy after her 16-year-old son, Conner, was killed in a car crash in Yorktown nearly 6 years ago. He was riding with two teenage friends when they crashed. All three were killed, and the driver did not have a license.

Chris Brown of Automotive Fleet spoke with David Klein, director of product management – technology products at Wheels about emerging technologies that are reshaping how fleets manage driver safety and data.

With St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Tuesday this year, festivities will kick off the weekend prior and continue through Tuesday, March 17. Sadly, some individuals may make the dangerous choice to drink and drive following their celebrations, endangering their own lives and the safety of everyone else on the road.

Volvo is launching another boost to its excellent safety reputation, with world-first technology designed to reduce seatbelt injuries in accidents.

According to Akihiro Sarada, president of Toyota's software development center, the Japanese automaker is committed to achieving its goal of "zero traffic accidents" — not just fatalities, but all auto accidents.

Safety is a leading concern for the parents of young drivers, which makes finding a good first car for teenage drivers a primary goal during the car-buying process. iSeeCars has identified the best cars for teen drivers and listed them below.

As marijuana legalization expands across the U.S., it is outpacing research on the impact of cannabis use behind the wheel. Researchers at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) recently spent two years collecting real-world driving data from cannabis users to help fill in the gaps.

A Virginia mom is advocating for proposed state legislation that would strengthen driver’s license requirements for people between the ages of 18 and 21.

It’s a personal mission for Tammy Guido McGee.

Preliminary analysis from the National Safety Council shows a 12% decrease in the number of U.S. traffic deaths in 2025, compared to the previous year, and that D.C. and Maryland’s safety improvements exceed the national average.

Design improvements, reduced default speed limits and campaigns to discourage drunk driving are some of the steps Herndon could take to make its streets safer under a newly proposed plan.

A Florida man has been charged 74 times after a series of hit-and-run crashes along Interstate 95 in Central Virginia on Valentine's Day, a news release from the Virginia State Police says.

The driver’s license photo may be slightly awkward, but the milestone is unforgettable. For families, a newly licensed teen means independence, busy schedules and a new set of responsibilities.

Ongoing road safety concerns were on the minds of about two dozen Brambleton residents who met with Little River Supervisor Laura TeKrony, as they looked to make Olympia Drive safer for the community.

Fleetio’s 2026 Fleet Benchmark Report shows something we’re hearing more often in conversations with fleet leaders. AI is on the radar. It just is not fully in the cab yet.

Responding to the changing demographics of today's driving population, Ford Motor is researching two advanced next-generation safety belt technologies that could help further reduce injury risk in vehicle crashes.

Rivian is recalling nearly 35,000 electric vehicles sold in the United States over a potential issue with the driver’s seat belt pretensioner cable. However, neither the R1S SUV nor the R1T pickup truck is included in the recall.

Hope Cartwright, a 23-year-old associate editor at Virginia Living magazine, was hit and killed as she walked across Cary and 2nd streets in downtown Richmond on Monday evening, Virginia Living publisher John-Lawrence Smith confirmed Tuesday. The Virginia Living offices are located on the same block where Cartwright was killed.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a notice seeking public comment on a proposed new information collection concerning the safety impacts of modern voice command interfaces in vehicles.

Left-hand turns are among the most complex maneuvers for fleet drivers. They require a driver to simultaneously assess oncoming traffic, predict closing speeds, monitor pedestrians and cyclists, and make a time-critical decision, often while operating a larger or heavier vehicle and under schedule or route pressure.

A federal push to stop drunk driving before it starts could soon take effect.

A proposed law would require automakers install impairment detection technology in all new vehicles. The tech could detect alcohol in a driver’s breath, touch or behavior -- and could stop the car from moving.

Motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for U.S. teens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows drivers ages 16–19 are nearly three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than drivers 20 and older, per mile driven.

Harrisonburg had 1,536 accidents in 2025 with 1,247 of those being reportable accidents — occurring on public property — Harrisonburg Police Department’s Outreach and Communication Specialist Juliana McGrath said.

A NEW law is seeking to officially criminalize the act of livestreaming while driving as part of a crackdown on reckless road habits.

More than 550 commercial driving schools in the U.S. that train truckers and bus drivers must close after investigators found they employed unqualified instructors, failed to adequately test students and had other safety issues, the federal Transportation Department announced Wednesday.

Lyft is rolling out a new ride-sharing option specifically designed for teenagers, called "Lyft Teen."

Sam Allebaugh vividly remembers the day he crashed his dump truck into a car while texting, killing the woman driving.

That was February 13, 2019, in Chesterfield County.

Child pedestrian casualties in traffic accidents remains high, particularly when they cross the street alone. One contributing factor is their limited ability to identify potential risks.

Now that Central Virginia is hopefully out of the worst of winter weather, drivers have a new list of to-dos to ensure their vehicles stay safe on the road.

CDL drivers causing 17 fatal crashes and 30 deaths in 2025 are no longer eligible to get a nondomiciled commercial driver’s license, according to a new rule issued by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

A person is fighting for their life after a crash involving an ejection in Brunswick County early Thursday morning.

Richmond drivers will need to pay closer attention to traffic signals starting this weekend as the city activates its first batch of new red light cameras.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Monday it had expanded a safety-related investigation into 1.27 million Ford (F.N), opens new tab F-150 pickup trucks following reports of unexpected downshifts with rear-wheel lockup.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has opened applications for its annual Highway Safety Grant Program.

On Sunday, Feb. 1, the DMV announced that applications are open for organizations to request funding through a grant program supporting local road‑safety projects across Virginia.

Drive Safe Hampton Roads is offering a discount of up to $15 with its 757 Sober Ride program for Super Bowl Sunday from 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8 until 3 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9. The code is only available between these hours to residents 21 and older, and if your destination is either to or from somewhere in Hampton Roads.

Two children on a sled were struck by a car in a Chesterfield neighborhood on Sunday afternoon, Crime Insider sources told Jon Burkett.

Operation “DISS-rupt” is coming to a road near you, sponsored by Virginia State Police (VSP)!

VSP says this is a traffic enforcement and educational safety initiative put in place because of the warming temperatures and “Virginians deciding to finally venture out.” State Police in the Salem, Appomattox, Chesapeake and Richmond divisions will conduct Operation DISS-rupt on all 299 miles of Interstate 64 in Virginia from Feb. 5-6.

Keeping our roadways safe is a shared responsibility, and throughout February, the Fairfax County Police Department is focusing on two key traffic safety priorities: school zone enforcement and impaired driving prevention.

Snow and ice left on a vehicle can harden into heavy sheets that break loose while driving, especially at highway speeds. Safety experts warn that when that ice flies off a moving car, it can strike other vehicles with enough force to shatter windshields or cause drivers to lose control.

For Super Bowl LX on Sunday, February 8, 2026, the Arlington County Police Department and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are teaming up to remind drivers: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. No matter who you are rooting for, your best bet for a safe trip home is a sober one.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is encouraging fans to plan for a sober ride ahead of the big game on Sunday.

Ford is recalling about 240,000 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs due to a problem with seat belt anchors that were improperly secured.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger provided an update for Virginians on the weekend’s incoming winter storm.

Waking up to a thick, white blanket of snow can be a beautiful sight—that is, until you have to go outside. Maneuvering a massive vehicle becomes far more complicated once snow and ice enter the picture.

Virginia State Police (VSP) said the weekend winter storm has led to hundreds of crashes across the Commonwealth, prompting officials to urge drivers to stay off the roads.

As of 4 a.m. Monday, the Virginia State Police responded to 440 crashes statewide. Thirty-four of those crashes involved injuries.

While most interstates, parkways and turnpikes have been treated following the weekend’s snow and ice storm, many Virginians are asking: why aren’t neighborhood streets being cleared more quickly?

Virginia State Police are urging residents to stay off public roadways with ATVs and side-by-sides, especially during winter weather conditions

Two drivers have been arrested after a vehicle struck two marked Fairfax County Police cruisers during a traffic stop on I-495 in Annandale.

Many sidewalks in the District are still a mess, keeping many families snowed in.

A North Carolina man was killed in a hit-and-run incident Jan. 30 on U.S. Route 1 in Dinwiddie County, according to Virginia State Police.

Forward-facing car seats have a harness and tether that limits your child's forward movement during a crash.

Refer to the video above for a general overview of forward-facing seat installation and see the below step-by-step guide.

Now that it's wintertime and the sun is setting earlier, you're more likely to be driving at night, whether going to and from work, picking up your kids from an extracurricular activity or running errands. Even for seasoned drivers and even with street lights, this can create additional challenges and safety hazards when you're on the road -- especially if you have a vision condition.

It’s critical to focus your attention on staying safe on the road. Many older adults rely on driving to maintain their daily routines and sense of freedom, but aging can bring changes that make driving more challenging.

Ram has recalled 52,565 heavy-duty trucks because a software problem can deactivate their stability control systems, airbags, and seat belt pretensioners.

In anticipation of the potentially icy conditions starting on Sunday, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has been preparing to ensure drivers’ safety as they commute through the weather, according to a press release.

Today marks National Passenger Safety Day, and AAA is reminding residents that road safety doesn’t only start and end with the driver; passengers should also speak up to save lives.

A six-year-old boy is dead after a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 64 on Sunday.

The state of Virginia wants you to drive slower. The state is preparing important changes in the way of driving on certain roads. We are not talking about a new immediate fine or a definite law, but about a pilot program to answer the next question: driving slower makes the roads safer? So, let’s find out about what this is all about, shall we?

The majority of e-bike fatalities occur after high-speed vehicle crashes. They often also occur due to not wearing a helmet or wearing a helmet incorrectly. E-bike accidents can also happen due to loss of vehicle control on busy urban roads. National safety records frequently show that these deaths cannot be attributed to a single cause.

As Virginia braces for a major winter storm, AAA is reminding drivers to keep safety top of mind and always have a plan.

Governor Abigail Spanberger declared a State of Emergency today due to winter weather that will impact most of the Commonwealth beginning Saturday and lasting through Monday morning.

Traveling on the roads during severe weather can be both dangerous and scary. Winter storms, bad weather, and sloppy road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter, according to research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

As technology becomes more embedded in our daily lives, drivers often turn to headphones and earbuds for communication or entertainment while on the road.

State laws vary on headphone use behind the wheel, but the USA TODAY Cars team took a look at which states have laws against driving with headphones or earbuds, and which states make at least some allowances for phone calls. Here's what we found:

A fifth pedestrian has been hit and killed in Richmond in less than a month. It happened just two days after Mayor Danny Avula announced immediate actions the city is taking to combat more happening.

In a major move to combat deadly speeding, Virginia has become one of the first jurisdictions in the nation to require Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology for certain reckless driving convictions. Virginia lawmakers approved the measure as part of a broader effort to reduce high-speed crashes on Virginia roadways.

Touchscreens in vehicle dashboards date back to the 1980s. But modern cars consolidate functions into these systems far beyond what we’ve seen before, to the point where a car feels mostly like a computer.

A student at Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn, Virginia, was struck and killed Tuesday morning by a Loudoun County Public Schools maintenance truck, according to the county sheriff’s office.

Left-hand turns are among the most complex maneuvers for fleet drivers. They require a driver to simultaneously assess oncoming traffic, predict closing speeds, monitor pedestrians and cyclists, and make a time-critical decision, often while operating a larger or heavier vehicle and under schedule or route pressure.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a reminder to parents about the importance of guiding teens through the process of learning to drive, emphasizing that it requires patience, practice, and consistent reminders.

Virginia traffic fatalities decreased roughly 15% in 2025, according to a preliminary report by the Virginia Department of Vehicles.

More than 80,000 Chevy vehicles are being recalled because their pedestrian alert sound system is defective, federal regulators said.

According to the AAA, more than 2,000 road deaths occur each year due to bad weather and winter storms.

Winter is peak season, so now is the time for fleet operators to remind drivers of some scary statistics to keep safety top of mind during the most frigid months.

An 18-year-old man driving a stolen car is facing several charges after "intentionally" crashing into a Chesterfield fire station early Sunday morning, according to authorities.

Today, Virginia State Police spoke in support of Drive Smart VA at a press conference to raise awareness of Virginia’s Move Over law.

Volkswagen has issued a safety recall for vehicles sold under its luxury Audi brand.

Around 27,760 vehicles are affected by the recall, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

As the new year gets underway, AAA is urging drivers to pay closer attention to behaviors that continue to contribute to serious and deadly crashes across the country.

AAA says speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and failing to wear a seatbelt remain among the biggest risks on the road.

Virginia's roads will be shrouded in a thick, mysterious fog on Wednesday morning, posing a risk to drivers.

One person was killed and at least three others were injured in a crash near the White House. Police say a speeding driver caused the crash.

A home essentials company is recalling certain child car seats because they may pose a risk of injury to children.

The intersection is Route 92 and US 360, where a two-lane road meets a four-lane highway.

According to Chris Russell, the Public Safety Director in Charlotte County, in the last five years there have been 19 accidents in that area alone.

The Williamsburg mother that helped change Virginia’s seat belt law is reacting to recently released data from Virginia State Police.

The city announced that it’s partnering with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and DRIVE SMART Virginia to launch a series of free, public meetings to increase seat belt safety and usage.

With continued travel across the region, Fairfax County roadways and surrounding interstates are expected to remain busy in the days ahead. Higher traffic volume, potential winter weather, and changing travel patterns may create added challenges for drivers.

The Fairfax County Police Department encourages motorists to plan ahead and follow these safety tips to help ensure safe travel.

To combat the dangers of drunk driving, the Gweedo Memorial Foundation has teamed up with LifeSafer to provide a New Year’s Eve day event that showcases new technology geared towards teen driver safety.

A Leesburg man is facing charges after police say he exited his vehicle with a machete and smashed another driver’s window during a road rage incident Monday morning.

Ford is recalling about 240,000 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUV's due to a problem with seat belt anchors that were improperly secured.

With New Year’s approaching, Virginia State Police are asking drivers across the Commonwealth to follow basic safe driving practices to help keep road fatalities trending lower

Drive Safe Hampton Roads announced it is sponsoring 757 Sober Ride for New Year’s Eve.

U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith (R‑VA) announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded two High Priority Commercial Motor Vehicle grants to Virginia Tech totaling $1,597,239 to study risky driving behaviors and expand driver safety demonstrations in high schools nationwide.

As Virginians head out to celebrate New Year’s Eve, officials are urging everyone to make safety a top priority and avoid driving under the influence.

A new vehicle safety inspection sticker will be put in place for 2026, according to the Virginia State Police.

A new device is being launched to combat speeding on roadways, with technology designed to prevent dangerous driving before it happens.

From Dec. 10 to Jan. 1, Virginia law enforcement will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints across the commonwealth. This is part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” media campaign, which has seen a reduction in drunk driving incidents since it began in 2002.

With the holidays almost here, as well as the start of the New Year, Virginia State Police is asking everyone driving across the Commonwealth to help end the year on a good note. Preliminary data shows fatalities on the roads are down this year. As of Dec. 15, 2025, 704 people have lost their lives on a Virginia roadway. 813 people died on Virginia roadways at this time in 2024.

Drinking and driving is always dangerous, with the risk of injury, death and thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. Fortunately, a few simple steps this holiday season can prevent drunk driving accidents and DUI violations.

An annual report released on Monday shows that impaired driving fatalities are going down in the DMV, but drunk driving arrests and crashes remain a problem.

A man was killed in a crash while bicycling on River Road in Chesterfield Saturday afternoon.

Brandy Brubaker, Director of Highway Safety Strategy at Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, stopped by our studio to talk with Amy Lacey about seat belt safety. Let’s stay safe this season and beyond — because safety never takes a holiday!

Henrico police have removed 102 impaired drivers from roadways between Nov. 1 and Dec. 22 as law enforcement agencies increase holiday enforcement efforts.

It is the most wonderful time of year but its also one of the most dangerous time of year on the roads.

This time of year there is usually a spike in crashes that often result in devastation and one Virginia mom is making it her purpose to make sure what happened to her family never happens again.

A suspected drunk driver caused chaos on Christmas Eve for residents on North Stevens Hollow Drive in Chesterfield County, according to police.

A new study of fatal large‑truck crashes nationwide finds Virginia ranks eighth for the share of fatal crashes that involve drowsy drivers, with 3.84% of fatal large‑truck crashes linked to driver fatigue between 2019 and 2023.

Today, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS) released a new report that shows that while risky driving behaviors remain widespread, Americans strongly support a range of impaired-driving countermeasures that could significantly reduce fatalities. 

Waiting for the first snow or ice storm to hit puts you and your tires behind the curve when it comes time to get behind the wheel.

The year-end holiday period leading up to New Year's is one of the most dangerous times on American roads and highways, with a spike in crashes that result in serious injuries or death. The National Road Safety Foundation, a non-profit group that for more than 60 years has been promoting safe driving through education, says the increased risk comes from a combination of factors that include impairment from alcohol and drugs coupled with a higher incidence of drowsy driving.

Don’t take your eyes off the road to read new research from the University of Washington.

In partnership with Toyota Research Institute, UW researchers are exploring how modern touch screens in cars affect driving now that dashboard knobs and buttons are increasingly a thing of the past. The results could help auto manufacturers design safer, more responsive screens and in-car interfaces.

The IIHS has awarded sixteen new 2025 and 2026 models with Top Safety Pick honors. Winners include the Tesla Cybertruck and Audi Q5, while the Jeep Gladiator failed to qualify.

Deck the halls, plan the gift list, and pack the car. With holiday shopping, errands and family travel in full swing, safety experts are urging caution when venturing out this winter.

The Virginia Department of Transportation will be lifting some lane closures throughout Virginia from Dec. 24-31, 2026.

Miguel Perez, head of the biomedical engineering and mechanics department at Virginia Tech, says that despite efforts to reduce impaired driving, it is “still very much a problem.” And now, the problem extends beyond just alcohol.

Members of the public were advised by the Virginia State Police to drive safe during the holiday season.

Two pedestrians were injured in what appeared to be a road rage incident in Arlington Thursday night.

A 24-year-old man is facing drunk driving and other charges after he allegedly struck a police officer, three police cars and numerous road barriers just blocks away from the City of Manassas' tree-lighting event Friday night.

Due to the next round of winter weather impacts anticipated to begin today, motorists traveling into and around Hampton Roads should stay alert for potentially hazardous road conditions throughout the day Monday and into Tuesday due to forecasted snowfall and temperatures below freezing. Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton Roads District personnel stand ready to respond with the necessary materials and equipment to address potential road impacts.

December is one of the deadliest months for impaired driving; and according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2022, December drunken driving rates were at their highest in 15 years.

At a packed conference room in the nation’s capital, dozens of people gasped as they watched a video monitor playing a terrifying, yet common scene: Cars speeding past children as they approached their school bus.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is highlighting car safety measures as winter weather continues across the region.

The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign to remind motorists to keep the busy holiday season merry and bright by never getting behind the wheel after drinking.

Laws are being put into place every year to make driving that much safer for residents across the country. Many of these laws are decided on a state-by-state level, which leads to many states not meeting the standards for maintaining “safe traffic safety laws.”

Motorists who frequent the Harrisonburg area will want to take into account a road closure next week at the Interstate 81 Exit 247A interchange.

A crash investigation is ongoing in Roanoke after one person died Friday night.

If there was one thing work truck fleets needed in 2025, it was clarity. With costs rising, vehicle lifecycles stretching, and operations scattered across job sites, branches, and regions, fleet managers leaned hard into data to get their arms around what was really happening day to day.

A new industry survey from Vehicle Management Systems (VMS) finds that small fleet operators are carrying heavy workloads with limited resources, but are showing strong enthusiasm for digital tools that streamline operations and cut downtime.

Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety will unveil its 2026 Roadmap to Safety report card, a comprehensive rating of all 50 states and Washington, D.C., based on their progress in adopting 18 proven, lifesaving traffic safety laws.

Older Driver Safety Awareness Week is Dec. 1-5, 2025. The annual campaign promotes the importance of mobility and transportation to ensure older adults remain active in their community while staying safe behind the wheel.

The Virginia State Police is investigating a pursuit that led to a crash along Interstate 95 in Chesterfield County on Monday afternoon.

After decades in vehicle registration management, including time working within a DMV, I've witnessed firsthand how technology has transformed what was once a manual, time-consuming process into a much more streamlined and efficient one.

Yet, even with these advancements, managing fleet registrations remains complex, requiring constant vigilance over ever-changing requirements across states, counties, and even zip codes.

AAA is joining forces with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Waymo in a collaborative effort to prevent impaired driving, reminding families and drivers to plan safe rides home this holiday season during one of the most dangerous times of year on the road. December is Impaired Driving Prevention Month, serving as a timely reminder for everyone to make safe choices and stay vigilant about impaired driving.

As snow makes its way across Virginia early this week, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) wants drivers to keep their guards up for slick roads and to check road conditions before doing any driving, especially during the Tuesday morning commute.

When it comes to laws aimed at keeping drivers and passengers safe, D.C. and Maryland are ahead of Virginia, according to a new report from Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. But all three jurisdictions have room to improve.

Virginia State Police report the totals for deaths and crashes in general were down from the same time in 2024.

Rivian is recalling nearly 35,000 EDV commercial vans to address damaged seat belt pretensioners. The remedy includes physical inspections and an OTA software update to detect driver misuse.

A Virginia Tech student died early Wednesday morning after being struck by a Blacksburg Police officer responding to an emergency call, marking the second pedestrian death of a university student this year, following the March death of 19-year-old Franklin Zhang.

The U.S. government announced major design changes it wants to implement to make the female version of the vehicle crash test dummy more lifelike, potentially replacing a model used for decades that is based almost entirely around the body of a man despite higher injury risks for women.

AAA is issuing a renewed warning to Virginia drivers as Thanksgiving travel reaches its peak, emphasizing the life-saving importance of the Commonwealth’s Move Over Law.

As the holiday season approaches, the Virginia State Police reminded the public about the importance of wearing seatbelts.

Social media influencers put their skills to the test, learning about distracted driving and its dangerous impacts at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) facility in Ruckersville, Virginia on Nov. 20.

Travelers will experience significant changes when moving around Virginia this week for the Thanksgiving holiday, one of the busiest times of the year, including a new seat belt law and the opening of new express lanes.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is urging motorists to travel safely this Thanksgiving holiday as the agency prepares to suspend most highway work zones and lift temporary lane closures across the Commonwealth.

The Prince William County Police enforce traffic safety all year, and the Department reminds motorists to Wear your seatbelt every time! That is the underlying message of this year’s “Click It or Ticket” seatbelt enforcement campaign, which runs from Nov. 22-30, 2025. Seatbelts save lives!

Virginia State Police is investigating a second shooting on area roads in the space of about five hours, this one taking place on Interstate 664 northbound Tuesday night in Newport News.

Heavy traffic filled roads across the commonwealth Sunday as travelers returned home from Thanksgiving destinations, prompting local law enforcement to warn drivers to take extra precautions.

Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal crash on I‑85 that left one person dead and three others injured.

AA predicts a record-setting 81.8 million will journey at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday, Nov. 25 and Monday, Dec. 1. Last year, 1.6 million less people traveled for the Thanksgiving holiday, the organization said.

Sitting in traffic is never convenient, but often times it’s the result of a crash or incident that may have caused serious injuries or fatalities. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) plays a key role responding to events on the roads to keep the traveling public safe and traffic moving.

In honor of Crash Responder Safety Week 2025, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation Steven G. Bradbury, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today joined transportation safety and emergency response organizations to commit to training one million responders and reduce roadway injuries and fatalities.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging drivers to avoid distractions behind the wheel, emphasizing that distracted driving is a dangerous gamble that can result in serious consequences.

As proclaimed by Governor Glenn Youngkin, November 17–21 is Crash Responder Safety Week in Virginia, observed in alignment with the nationwide effort to recognize the critical work of emergency responders and the dangers they face while managing roadway incidents. The Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Office of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) joins partners across the Commonwealth and the nation in raising awareness and promoting safer conditions for those who protect motorists on our roadways.

Virginia Commonwealth University, in partnership with the city of Richmond’s Department of Public Works, has launched a quick-build pilot program at four intersections on VCU’s campuses to improve intersection safety through left-turn hardening measures.

A teenager died in a crash following a police pursuit in Orange County over the weekend, according to the Virginia State Police.

Before you hit the roads for Thanksgiving next Thursday, first responders are working to make sure your kids are safe.

Consistent with trends in recent years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continues to pursue a vigorous and ambitious regulatory agenda.

As the holiday season kicks into gear and millions of Virginians hit the road, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reminds everyone to drive safely and always buckle up. Starting November 22, the nationwide Click It or Ticket campaign revs up to remind everyone that seat belts save lives and wearing one isn’t just smart—it’s the law.

With less than a week until Thanksgiving, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Virginia is teaming up with Richmond Ford for its annual holiday safe driving campaign event.

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims will be marked this Sunday, November 16.

Representatives Madeleine Dean and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania have introduced House Resolution 845 in the U.S. House of Representatives. The resolution was developed by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) with additional data and statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, and the National Safety Council.

The National Safety Council is joining the Vision Zero Network, Families for Safe Streets and It Could Be Me to honor those killed and injured in roadway incidents on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

A truck driver died after a collision with a sedan Monday morning on Interstate 64 westbound near Indian River Road in Virginia Beach that closed the highway for seven hours, according to Virginia State Police.

Two pedestrians have died in as many days as a result of crashes on Fairfax County roads.

As fleets strive for efficiency, making data-driven decisions can be time-consuming. Just as artificial intelligence (AI) is moving into nearly every facet of life, it too is finding its place in the transportation industry with the prospect of helping handle and interpret all that data.

As the holiday season approaches, Virginia teens are being encouraged to promote road safety by participating in a safe driving holiday jingle competition.

The statewide contest, titled “2025 Jingle Your Way to a Safe Holiday: Buckle Up and Drive Safety,” grants participants a chance to win up to $500.

Crash Responder Safety Week, observed November 17–21, is a national effort to raise awareness about the critical importance of roadway safety and protecting those who protect us. The week reminds all drivers to slow down, move over, and stay alert when approaching a crash scene or emergency vehicles on the shoulder.

Prince William County police said an officer recently pulled over a 17-year-old who was driving 105 mph in a 65-mph zone along Interstate 95 near the Quantico exit.

According to police, the teen was stopped and cited at the scene.

Families who lost loved ones in preventable car crashes gathered Sunday at Virginia State Police headquarters to remember victims and advocate for stronger road safety measures during the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

Throughout October, Norfolk Police engaged in targeted enforcement efforts to encourage safe driving and pedestrian habits.

As part of these efforts, Traffic Officers issued 10 citations to drivers who were observed operating their vehicles while holding a cell phone – an action that endangers both drivers and pedestrians.

Nov. 2-8, 2025, is Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. It is held each year the week following the end of daylight saving time. After falling back, and gaining an hour, some drivers are surprised to learn that the time change can impact their daily routine, which makes this week an ideal time to raise awareness of the importance of proper sleep and the dangers of drowsy driving. In fact, drowsy driving is now referred to as the “fourth D” along with drunk, drugged and distracted as major causes of impaired driving.

Daylight Saving Time has officially ended, which means sunsets are happening earlier.

WDBJ7 spoke with officials about the dangers of driving in the dark, especially during an active time of the year for deer.

Driving under the influence isn’t limited to alcohol or illegal drugs. Many common, over-the-counter medications can significantly impair your ability to drive safely.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a preliminary evaluation into potential defects in the rear passenger seat belt warning system of 2023-2024 Honda Pilot vehicles. The estimated population is 142,572 vehicles.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has installed new pedestrian crosswalks with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon equipment at two intersections in Spotsylvania County.

Defensive Drivers Institute is pleased to announce the availability of its Virginia Driver Improvement Clinic, a fully online, state-approved program designed to help Virginia drivers satisfy court or DMV-ordered requirements, potentially earn safe driving point credits, and improve their overall driving skills.

With the sun setting earlier and deer mating season in October-December, drivers are urged to be aware of deer on the roads, especially at dawn and dusk, and to take precautions such as slowing down, increasing following distance, and using high beams.

The purpose of this project, located in Wakefield, is to improve pedestrian safety along Route 460 (General Mahone Highway) between Route 714 (Jeb White Street/High Street) and Sussex Avenue.

A bicyclist is dead after a crash involving a Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) bus on W. Broad Street in Henrico County in October.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is joining forces with the Virginia High School League (VHSL) to launch the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” campaign, urging drivers to wear seat belts and put down their phones.

A spokesperson with AAA said children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a vehicle on Halloween night compared to other nights.

Last year, 46 emergency responders never made it home, according to the Emergency Responder Safety Institute. They were police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and tow truck operators—struck while assisting others on the roadside. “Slow Down, Move Over” (SDMO) laws were created to prevent these tragedies, but a new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS) finds that confusion about the laws and inconsistent enforcement are leaving responders at continued risk.

Many parents know the concern that comes with handing car keys to their teenager.

That’s why the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is partnering with the Virginia High School League to help keep those young drivers alive and well through a new campaign called “Buckle Up, Phone Down.”

As the clocks fall back and daylight fades earlier in the day, Virginia drivers are facing higher chances of hitting wildlife — especially deer and elk. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is warning drivers to be extra careful as daylight saving time ends on Sunday, Nov. 2.

As Americans change their clocks this weekend, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminds everyone to check for open safety recalls on their vehicles and equipment. Checking for recalls on NHTSA’s website helps ensure that your vehicle is safe for you and your family.

Driving in the nation’s capital may come with more stress than you think. According to Allstate’s 2025 America’s Best Drivers Report, Washington, D.C. ranks among the riskiest cities in the U.S., placing high on the list of areas most likely to experience a collision.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found drivers don’t believe they will be stopped or are unaware of what the law requires.

It’s that time of year again when clocks “fall back,” granting most of us an extra hour of sleep.

While that added shut-eye is a welcome bonus, the shift in daylight saving time also brings important considerations for road safety, particularly as evenings grow darker earlier.

Resetting our clocks is often the easiest part, but resetting our bodies and driving habits can be a bit tougher.

This is the time of year when deer pose a serious threat to those traveling on our roadways, so it’s important that drivers stay alert,” said Gov. Mike DeWine.