News

A new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety argues that equipping light delivery vans with four specific safety technologies could prevent or mitigate close to four out of 10 fatal crashes involving such vehicles.

Researchers are exploring ways to use features in modern cars, such as GPS, to make traffic safer and more efficient.

May is Motorcycle Safety Month and the National Park Service (NPS) launched a Rule the Ridge safety campaign to promote a safer experience when sharing the road with motorcyclists.

It’s an often-heard argument: Drivers who use hands-free
vehicle technology are less distracted than those who
use handheld cellphones.

Pedestrian deaths have increased 80% since reaching their low point in 2009 and account for 17% of crash fatalities. Two percent of people killed in motor vehicle crashes are bicyclists.

The U.S. government’s highway safety agency has opened another investigation of automated driving systems, this time into crashes involving Waymo’s self-driving vehicles.

Memorial Day is just around the corner, and Drive Safe Hampton Roads is once again partnering with Lyft to offer 757 Sober Rides during what it calls "the deadliest weekend to drive."

New Nationwide research shows company drivers are facing increased distractions and safety risks on the road, exacerbated by staffing shortages that are leading to longer hours behind the wheel and a reduced focus on safety.

In 2022, 58% of passenger vehicle occupants killed in rural traffic crashes at night were unbelted, compared to 56% in urban areas.

The new handbook, based on insights from fleet managers, drivers, and public and private sector leaders, highlights the importance of consistent seat belt use and offers practical guidance to enhance safety measures.

The American Trucking Associations is calling attention to the negative consequences for highway safety and safety-sensitive industries that could result from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s proposal to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug.

U.S. auto safety regulators on Monday proposed expanding and enhancing reminder systems to boost seat belt use and reduce traffic crash deaths and injuries that have been rising in recent years.

If you have an animal-drawn vehicle on the road, like an Amish buggy for example, a change in Virginia law now requires lights or reflectors to be displayed.

Ideally, transportation planners could redesign roads to be less lethal to drivers and pedestrians. But in the real world, settling for less-than-perfect fixes can still save lives.

Heavy equipment operation requires a clear mind and sharp vision. Distractions from electronic devices, fatigue or ground activity can put the operator, the employer and the project at risk.

In the last 10 years, registered motorcycles have increased 14%, according to the National Safety Council (NSC).

The News4 I-Team found, in most cases, truck drivers aren't required to report missing equipment from their fleet that could have caused injury.

With the proliferation of smartphones, infotainment systems and even work-related apps, it seems that the number of distractions the average person faces is increasing at an alarming rate.

In 2021, a significant escalation in crashes involving large trucks was recorded, with 5,700 incidents leading to fatalities—an 18% rise from 2020 and a staggering 49% increase over the last decade.

According to the most current data available, nearly seven of every 10 truck drivers killed in fatal crashes were not wearing seat belts.

In the last 10 years, registered motorcycles have increased 14%, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). While riding can be fun and liberating, it is not without its dangers.

A teenage driver has been charged in a December 2023 crash that killed passenger Wyatt Fowler, according to the Chesterfield County Police Department (CCPD).

While the initiative has yielded thousands of warnings and citations, Gehr said the coordinated efforts and increased presence serves as a deterrent.

Planting season has begun with vigor, and it is crucial for motorists to be aware of safety precautions while sharing the roadways with farm machinery.

How is your local transportation agency keeping the workers on the roads, runways, and rails safe during construction season?

In the not-too-distant future, automatic emergency braking will have to come standard on all new passenger vehicles in the United States, a requirement that the government says will save hundreds of lives and prevent thousands of injuries every year.

On a three-lane test track along the Monongahela River, an 18-wheel tractor-trailer rounded a curve. No one was on board.

Two fatal crashes involving Ford’s Blue Cruise partially automated driving system have drawn the attention of U.S. auto safety regulators.

Researchers are pointing to a dangerous element of the booming e-commerce home delivery business in America: vans.

Aggression on the roads is rampant in Virginia. The state is listed as one of the worst in the nation for confrontational drivers after a recent survey ranks the commonwealth at number 4.

The new automatic emergency braking rule is an important step forward for road safety — but don't expect it to save many lives on its own.

About 13,500 people died in alcohol-impairment crashes in 2022, but DUI arrests in recent years have sunk to multidecade lows.

Drowsy drivers were involved in 18% of all fatal crashes over a recent five-year period, leading to nearly 30,000 deaths, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates.

NHTSA is launching a new campaign to prevent hot car deaths, Stop. Look. Lock., to educate parents and caregivers about the dangers of heatstroke and to always check a locked car before leaving.

Preliminary numbers show that so far this year there have been 453 crashes involving pedestrians in Virginia. Of those crashes, 442 pedestrians were injured and 35 were tragically killed.

As the warm weather of spring unfolds, cyclists are using our roads more frequently. It’s important to ensure we prioritize safety for everyone, whether you’re on two wheels or four.

Message from DMV: "Slow Down and Look Up"

An average of two roadside service providers are killed each month attending to disabled vehicles along America’s roadways, and many more are injured.

According to AAA, nearly 100 people have been hurt and three people have died in distracted driving crashes on Virginia roads in the first three and a half months of the year.

Local police officers were in attendance, for a presentation from the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority.

Raising speed limits on highways could lead to more crashes on nearby roads, according to new research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data shows that licensed drivers ages 15-20 “have the highest involvement in fatal crashes” compared with all other age groups.

Law enforcement officers will have an eye out for reckless, careless or dangerous driving July 7-13 during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual Operation Safe Driver Week.

Together for Safer Roads (TSR) has announced the findings from a study on its Truck of the Future (ToF) pilot program, which works to enhance road safety for vulnerable road users (VRUs) in urban areas.

In 2023, work zones crashes claimed 13 lives in Virginia, which is down from 22 fatalities in 2022. There were also over 4,100 crashes and nearly 1,700 injuries last year in work zones.

With iOS 15 and later, the Driving Focus helps you stay focused on the road. When you turn it on, text messages and other notifications are silenced or limited.

The program was a collaboration among the high school, Virginia Army National Guard and Virginia State Police (VSP).

With April being National Distracted Driving Month, Guido is attending speaking events and conferences to raise awareness about what people can do to avoid distracted driving.

Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that nearly 40% of worker deaths each year are related to transportation. Distracted driving is a significant catalyst...

Morgan Dean, AAA Mid-Atlantic Spokesperson said incidents, like a police chase, can quickly happen and can catch a driver off guard.

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of teen death and injury in the United States. Here is how to protect your teens.

The aim of the creative is to encourage drivers to be more aware of their behavior and avoid distractions while driving.

Nearly 80% of respondents to a recent Travelers survey said inattentive driving is more of a problem now than it has been in past years.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles reports that in 2022, out of 569,202 youth ages 15 to 19 living in Virginia, 218,261 were licensed to drive.

Annually from 2020 to 2023, an average of 122 workers were killed by cars, with a peak of 150 deaths in 2021.

Preliminary numbers show that so far this year, there have been 453 crashes involving pedestrians in Virginia. Of those crashes, 442 pedestrians were injured and 35 were killed.

U.S. car crash deaths are nearly 10 percent higher if you count collisions that happen just outside the right of way.

The traffic initiative will begin on Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 20. Since April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the initiative will focus on every aspect of safe driving.

The new TV PSA, titled "Your Life Sounds Great," encourages responsible driving behavior by highlighting how driving "buzzed" can result in devastating consequences for individuals and those around them.

Each day, over 1, 000 people are injured and nine are killed in crashes involving distracted driving, according to data reported by Drive Smart Virginia.

For National Work Zone Awareness Week the Virginia Department of Transportation held a vigil as a reminder of the 134 VDOT employees who have lost their lives on the job keeping Virginia safe and improved.

Setting the clocks forward to better align the workday with the rising and setting of the sun makes pedestrians and bicyclists safer, though the net effect on overall fatal crashes is minimal, a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows.

While your immediate concern may be slowed traffic and delays, the bigger issue is the increased risk in work zones and the need for greater focus on driving.

Officials are moving to increase enforcement and change laws in response to the rise in counterfeit or expired plates, which exploded during the pandemic.

Electric scooters, bikes and skateboards make it easier to get around campus — to the point that they have become the new norm.

NHTSA added in a statement that the fourth quarter of 2023 represents the seventh consecutive quarterly decline in fatalities; a decline that began in the second quarter of 2022.

The League of American Bicyclists, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., recommends an “ABC Quick Check” to ensure your bike is safe to ride:

Distracted and impaired driving as well as speeding are contributing factors to the tens of thousands of people who die in preventable crashes on U.S. roads each year, according to NSC.

In 2022, car drivers killed 1,105 cyclists. That’s higher than any year in the history of the reporting system (starting in 1975), and up about 13 percent from 2021.

Mood disorders can broadly impact physical and emotional well-being, and as many as one in 10 teens and young adults have been diagnosed with one.

Inattentiveness behind the wheel, even for just a few seconds, can result in devastating and possibly deadly consequences.

Most fatal and serious injury bicyclist crashes occur at non-intersection locations.

VSP is urging Virginians to register for its motorcycle safety courses after it announced Wednesday that five motorcyclists had been killed in fatal crashes across the state just this past week...

The Virginia Beach Police Department gave Landstown High School students a lesson on the dangers of distracted driving with a demonstration.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Operation Safe Driver Week will be held July 7-13, focusing on reckless, careless or dangerous driving.

According to survey results shared in the report, apps drivers are most likely to be distracted by include Instagram (24%), camera and WhatsApp (combined 20%), YouTube (19%), and phone (15%).

Our recommendations include communicating information about NHTSA's progress and delays in updating the program.

If you’re a parent, your influence on your child’s future driving behaviors begins sooner than you might think.

Fatal traffic crashes are the leading cause of work-related deaths each year in the United States. Nearly 40% of deaths on the job occur on American roads, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

More than 2,200 highway workers lost their lives on a highway work zone between 2003 and 2020, an average of 123 every year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Virginia State Police's Chesapeake, Richmond, Appomattox, and Salem Divisions will conduct "Operation DISS-rupt" along Interstate 64 in Virginia on Wednesday and Thursday.

The newly rebranded Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign reminds drivers of the deadly dangers and the legal consequences – including fines – of distracted driving.

Choosing the right bike for a child’s first ride can be instrumental toward building confidence. Here are some guidelines for navigating the selection process for that first bike and beyond.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that 40,990 people died in traffic crashes last year compared to 42,514 deaths in 2022. Fatalities are still much higher than the 36,355 people killed in 2019.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the U.S. Will raising the requirements for a driver’s license help?

Distracted driving isn’t just a passenger car problem; commercial drivers also admit to being distracted on the road.

The Great American Total Solar Eclipse is just a week away, and people are expected to drive in large numbers to the path of totality to witness “nature’s greatest sight.”

Safety issues such as speeding, distracted and impaired driving are all contributing factors to the tens of thousands of people lost in preventable crashes on U.S. roads each year.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, so AAA joins us with a quiz to see how safe we are on the roads.

Beginning Thursday, there are two new mobile traffic safety devices that will be used to detect distracted driving and flash a warning to drivers in D.C.

Do you ever use your cellphone while driving? Don’t feel too guilty about saying yes – nearly 60% of drivers admit to using their phone in hands-free mode while driving.

In fact, when you have a baby or child in a car seat, the risk of injury in a crash is reduced by 71%-82% compared to seat belt use alone, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The initiative aims to get drivers 'back to the basics of traffic safety' after more than 100 people have died in car crashes this year in the state.

Awareness, enforcement and technology are part of the effort.

On March 22, 2023, a terrible work zone crash happened on Interstate 695, the Baltimore Beltway.

Drive Safe Hampton Roads recognized nineteen local high schools, including schools in Williamsburg/James City County and York County, for their participation in the Get It Together Seat Belt Challenge.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Our Roads, Our Safety Week is scheduled for May 5-11.

“We need America to have the same viewpoint with distracted driving as we do with someone driving drunk.”

A Safe System approach was founded on the principles that humans make mistakes and that human bodies have limited ability to tolerate crash impact.

Local lore says that one 82-year-old professor has probably taught more Afghan women drivers in a California town than there are in all Afghanistan.

Each year in the U.S., more than 300,000 people are injured and more than 12,000 die in speed-related car crashes.

Governors Highway Safety Association, Cambridge Mobile Telematics release "A Road Map for Safer Roads" to highlight comprehensive strategies to combat distracted driving.

Deadly crashes have frequently involved people not wearing the safety device, the agency said at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

With 7,500 pedestrian fatalities in America every year, we must consider the safety of people outside our cars.

The U.S. Department of Transportation spent a total of $2.4 billion on programs aimed at reducing traffic fatalities in 2022 and 2023.

One figure does stand out: 52 percent of all fatal crashes in 2021 took place on principal and minor arterials, including 60 percent of all pedestrian fatalities.

Drivers in the United States struck and killed an estimated 3,373 walkers in the first six months of 2023, for an average of 18 deaths every day.

Since the start of 2024, the Virginia DMV has recorded 25 pedestrian deaths thus far. The most recent death was on March 10.

Over the past two decades, speeding has been a contributing factor in nearly 30 percent of all motor vehicle crashes.

Last year, nearly 25,000 citations and warnings were issued over four waves.

It’s been 10 years since Deputy Brad Hughes became the victim of a distracted driving crash and lost his legs.

Researchers find that women's bodies react differently than men's after sustaining injuries in motor vehicle [crashes] — and their injuries are usually worse.

Hughes: 'I remind the kids in three seconds... you can change a life and in three seconds you can change your own life'

According to the analysis, 12 states experienced decreases in motor vehicle fatalities of 10% or more in 2023, while seven experienced increases.

Motorists hoping to watch the upcoming total solar eclipse have been warned not to be distracted by the spectacle while on the road, as officials fear the event could cause a spike in [crashes].

As the number of Americans driving past their 70s increases, there are a variety of things to do to help maintain or improve your parent’s driving skills.

The seat belt is one of the most effective and widely implemented vehicle safety mechanisms in use today. It saves an estimated 15,000 lives in the U.S. annually.

In 2021, there was a 12.5% increase in fatalities among people walking - the highest recorded in decades.

March 22, 2024 marks one year since the wreck on I-695 that took the lives of six roadway workers. Four families were left devastated.

Drive Safe Hampton Roads recently announced the recipients of the 33rd annual John T. Hanna Awards for Excellence in Traffic Safety.

The National Road Safety Foundation cautions drivers to be especially aware of driver fatigue as daylight savings begins, since the time change can disrupt normal sleep patterns and lead to drowsiness.

Specifically, turn signals, hazard lights, windshield wipers, the horn, and other critical emergency features should remain in physical form, the organization says.

Anaya told 10 On Your Side, traffic and construction is causing drivers to engage in some scary exchanges on the road.

Out of the first 14 systems tested, only one earns an acceptable rating. Two are rated marginal, and 11 are rated poor.

According to AAA’s latest survey on autonomous vehicles, most U.S. drivers either express fear (66%) or uncertainty (25%) about fully self-driving vehicles – a fear that has not decreased since spiking last year.

St. Patrick’s Day falls on Sunday, March 17 this year. Last year in Virginia, 66 people were injured and six people were killed in 124 crashes involving alcohol during the week of St. Patrick’s Day, according to the department.

Their common bond beyond outsized personalities and a profound love of goalkeeping was that they died tragically in car wrecks.

A growing number of states are considering lowering the blood alcohol level at which drivers are considered to be under the influence.

When specialty vehicles are near, fleet drivers should practice safety strategies to both protect themselves and other fleet operators.

New AAA Research Shows Fatalities Due to Drowsiness 10X Higher Than Reported

A new vehicle safety tech requirement could save 10,000+ lives a year, a new working group says – but only if we implement it in a thoughtful way that wins public acceptance.

In Albemarle County, VA, a patrol car was hit by a reckless driver, leading to a multi-vehicle crash, spotlighting the 'Move Over' Law.

Virginia State Police (VSP) is encouraging drivers and walkers to keep the safety of themselves and others in mind as they get to where they need to go.

New data shows we're struggling to curb distraction while driving. Is it time to talk about curbing driving instead?

Nearly 50 million vehicles on U.S. roads have unrepaired safety recalls – that’s about one of five vehicles.

For cars to be awarded Europe’s highest safety rating, certain controls like wipers and indicators must rely on physical buttons.

Automakers must find a balance of high-tech screens and old school controls.

This initiative, aimed at reducing the heightened risk of teen driving accidents from May through August, is rolling out across the state to foster safe driving habits among young drivers and their passengers.

As spring approaches and more motorcyclists take a ride to enjoy the seasonable weather, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) Highway Safety Office is spreading the word about motorcycle safety.

Imagine if you could drive at night with your high beams on all the time, bathing the road ahead in bright light but without ever blinding other drivers.

More than 600 local high school students are set to compete in the 2024 Keeper's Cup in Williamsburg next week.

Shamrock and roll this St. Patrick's Day with a sober driver.

NSC and its advocacy partners will meet with federal legislators on Capitol Hill during infrastructure week in May to discuss this crisis.

We must take action to win our roadway battles – and the larger war – with distracted drivers.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has released its 2024 National Roadway Safety Strategy Progress Report (NRSS), which highlights key steps taken last year by the department and safety partners to improve road safety and decrease fatalities.

Friday afternoon, a spokesperson for Norfolk Public Schools released a statement to News 3 identifying the teen as a Ruffner Middle School student.

State and federal officials on Wednesday swapped ideas in Washington, D.C., for reducing road deaths—from beefing up speeding enforcement in work zones to building safer intersections on four-lane highways...

During the pandemic, distracted driving increased, and it hasn’t gone down since.

The number of pedestrians killed on U.S. roads declined by 4% in the first half of last year, according to preliminary estimates published Tuesday by the Governors Highway Safety Association.

In 2022, transportation incidents accounted for over 37% of all occupational deaths, making them the most frequent on-the-job fatal event.

February is proving to be a deadly month for pedestrians in Virginia this year. Officials said ten people have been hit and killed by vehicles in the past two weeks alone.

America experienced a modest but heartening decrease in pedestrian deaths in the first half of last year, a new analysis projects — but the death toll is still higher than before the pandemic, and in some states, it's rapidly on the rise.

Thousands have survived crashes since they've been required—but some airbags are now under recall. Here is what you should know about those problems, and the latest technology.

The most recent data available from 2018, for example, shows that 51% of all roadway fatalities are a result of lane departures, and the number of road fatalities spiked again at the beginning of 2021.

This report presents a comprehensive review of current efforts by national, state, local, and international organizations at implementing countermeasures to address driver distraction.

Does your car, truck or SUV have any open safety recalls? Not sure? The National Safety Council is urging all drivers to find out during Vehicle Safety Recalls Week, set for March 4-10.

To help you choose the best booster car seat for your child, we considered safety features, weight and height limits, ease of installation, and price.

It’s more than just slowing down, as shown at Bridgestone’s Winter Driving School.

Driving requires your full attention, but it can be easy to become distracted. From fiddling with the radio to checking a text message, any form of distraction can be dangerous.

The ability to drive is a privilege as well as a responsibility.

For Norfolk, even one traffic death is too many. It is a lofty goal, part of the Vision Zero initiative.

Driving in high winds can be challenging and dangerous, particularly when encountering strong gusts or sustained winds.

For more than 20 years, research at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute’s Smart Road has contributed to automotive safety advances. A big focus now is autonomous vehicles.

Water has flooded the road along your errand route. But it looks to be only a few inches deep. “Can I make it across?” you ask yourself. “Or should I find another way?”

You’re paying a lot more for car insurance than you were in 2020. Here’s why.

Indian River High School students received a simulated lesson Wednesday on the dangers of distracted driving from Sentara Norfolk General Hospital staff.

Explore the consequences of high-speed driving in Norfolk, Virginia, as the Virginia State Police issue court summons to drivers reaching speeds of 129 mph and 139 mph, highlighting the dangers of excessive speeding.

Allies throughout the public and private sectors, advocacy and community groups, researchers, and beyond have committed to taking specific action in 2024 to reduce serious injuries and deaths on our roadways.

At least eight people are killed every day in distracted driving-related crashes.

The CCA invites stakeholders to download and share the partnership materials, which include posters, flyers, banner ads, and social media messages and graphics.

Dubbed “Operation Diss-rupt,” the traffic enforcement and safety initiative will take place from Saturday to Monday (Feb. 10-12) and focus on distracted and impaired driving, speeding and seat belt use...

A joint press release from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Virginia State Police (VSP) stresses the importance of having a game plan Sunday to ensure a safe and sober ride home.

The new standards update owner registration program requirements to help consumers get information about car seat recalls. It also requires product labels on car seats that specify child weight minimums for each usage mode.

International Roadcheck is a high-visibility, high-volume commercial motor vehicle inspection and regulatory compliance enforcement initiative that takes place over three days in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

These cameras were introduced to reduce the number of drivers running red lights and causing crashes among fleets and other drivers alike.

According to VDOT crash data, there were 67 traffic crashes involving pedestrians in 2023 in Henrico County.

Cities across the U.S. are embracing "safe systems" approaches. But are they prepared to sell their residents on those game-changing strategies — much less involve them as meaningful partners?

Recent AAA research examined various simulated collisions across four popular 2023 model-year vehicles equipped with reverse automatic emergency braking (AEB) with rear cross traffic mitigation.

Richmond, Va., joins a growing list of cities that have installed automated enforcement cameras in an effort to cut down on speeding.

The Chesterfield County Police Department is investigating the death of a person who they say was hit by a driver on the 10700 block of Hull Street Road Wednesday night.

Next weekend marks Super Bowl Sunday. A day of football, tasty dips and for some, drinks.

A recent fatal pedestrian crash in Chesterfield County early Sunday morning is one of the many reasons AAA is urging drivers to slow down.

Why is seatbelt use so important?

The 33rd annual award recipients include a high school student, a lawyer, a mother, a fire department, several police officers, and a fleet driver.

These simulators popped in the 1950s, but there's a reason you won't see them in accredited driving schools today.

In 2022, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that before the adoption of seat belt laws, national use was only 14%.

To address the rise in fatalities, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) released the 11th edition of Countermeasures That Work this past December with several newer suggestions that were highlighted:

“There’s no excuse for driving drunk,” the “Cake Masters” star slammed. “None. Uber, taxi, call a friend. No excuse.”

If you plan to go out to watch the big game on Sunday, state officials are urging Virginians to plan ahead and secure a "safe and sober ride home."

It’s no secret that crashes can be costly for a fleet. The average non-fatal work-related crash costs around $75,000, according to the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety. But the impacts to your fleet can be far greater.

Discover the history of seat belts: from their invention through to becoming a life-saving necessity.

Tuesday morning, flashing lights from police vehicles filled the area of Virginia Beach Boulevard between Ingleside Rd. and Ballentine Blvd. after a man was hit and killed.

Last week, Apple publicly launched a wearable mixed-reality headset it describes as a "spatial computer that seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world."

Coaching Tips for Parents in the Passenger Seat

Distracted driving is a worsening problem, safety experts say. Yet there is still no definitive database of the number of crashes or fatalities caused by it.

AAA Research Points to Speed, Impairment, and Distraction as Likely Factors for Many Roadside Crashes

(MADD) is responding to a staggering 35% surge in drunk driving over the past decade by launching a National Ambassador Program that will significantly expand its grassroots effort to reach more high-risk audiences and local communities nationwide.

These important safety systems can't work when they can't ‘see' the road due to snow and ice

Many cities are turning to speed limiters for electric scooters to address concerns about rider safety and conflicts with pedestrians.

Local leaders say the current law stops them from addressing some of their most dangerous roads.

Understanding the impact of distracted driving and changing our driving behavior can help make roadways safer.

As traffic collisions and fatalities increase, there is “significant underreporting” on one of the most serious risks while driving.

A new study has taken a look at the dangers faced by people who work on the side of the road. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety says nearly four times more than reported are hit and killed.

The experts we spoke with and the data we analyzed with them point to a collective apex regarding the safety of vulnerable road users (VRUs). In other words, it’s not one singular element or happening but rather a collection of risk factors that have converged and continue to put non-motorists at risk.

Preliminary crash testing finds that the nation’s guardrails may not be suitable for heavy electric vehicles (EVs).

Passengers can make a difference in reducing the number of devastating traffic crashes by speaking up when in a vehicle being driven unsafely.

The yearly challenge, which aims to encourage youth and teens to develop a lifelong, buckle-up habit, saw a 4.9 percent increase in seat belt use among students at participating schools that completed pre- and post- seat belt checks

Building a culture of safety during inclement weather requires preparation and driver training. That begins with a plan and good communication.

Receive message summaries, reroute your destination, and send out an ETA without ever touching your phone

An “advance directive” for driving is a tool that can help seniors and their loved ones.

A recent analysis from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests distracted driving plays a role in nearly one in three crash deaths.

In the United States between 2016 and 2020, hospitalizations for scooter injuries nearly tripled, severe injuries requiring orthopedic and plastic surgery increased, and costs to treat those injuries rose five-fold...

Restraints (belts in the case of adults and harnesses in the case of young kids) work best when they are coupled to our bodies as closely as possible during the crash, which means we want as little slack in the restraint system as possible.

Cellphone use–which includes dialing, texting, and browsing–were among the most prevalent and highest-risk behaviors found in governmental and private sector studies, Triple-I’s report explained.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety just released its list of car seat 'best bets.'

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles shares nine action steps that motorists can take to prevent crashes.

Single-vehicle, single-pedestrian crash data for 2016-2021 finds hoods a problem.

Roadside assistance providers risk their own safety to help stranded motorists. This report examines crashes in which roadside assistance providers were struck and killed by vehicles, to inform efforts to protect them.

Drive Safe Hampton Roads is teaming up with its community partners to “round-up” their old child safety seats and turn them in for a “reward” throughout February.

In preparation for the harsh weather conditions, VDOT is pre-treating roads and bridges to prevent a bond from forming between the pavement and the snow and ice.

Virginia’s General Assembly is cracking down on distracted teen drivers with the help of Conner’s Law.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law tasked automakers with detecting and preventing impaired driving by 2026.

Although seasonal maintenance is a similar concept, the actual steps to winterize your electric vehicle may differ from an ICE in ways you didn’t expect.

The NSC Fleet Essentials training program begins with a module that focuses on safe backing, vehicle dynamics, and more.

The USDOT’s ITS Joint Program Office (JPO) has launched a new ITS for Pedestrian Safety Data Story, including an interactive national map showing fatalities across the USA.

When it comes to getting to where you need to be, there are things in your control and out of your control.

Winter weather can be unpredictable and dangerous, especially when driving. Snow, ice and sleet can increase the risk of [crashes].

NHTSA’s rule-making process on mandating systems in new vehicles to detect drunken drivers poses lots of questions about privacy and outcomes.

The devices are meant to be used in situations when a driver needs to transport a heavy or bulky item on a passenger seat.

For children, a bulky coat and a car seat can be a dangerous pairing.

The organizers said along with impacting the school community as a whole, it has impacted how they feel when driving.

Zac Doerzaph, executive director of the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), says that driving when both visibility and traction are impaired by the weather increases the risk of a crash by 70-80 percent.

Prospective travelers should consider changing their plans to avoid potentially hazardous conditions on Virginia roadways, according to VDOT.

Despite technological advancements, driving has grown more time-consuming, more frustrating, and more dangerous.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is going to be honored for its work addressing safety and reviews roadwork projects set for this week.

Cases of confrontation on the road are becoming more violent, especially when firearms are involved — and incidents can have long-lasting consequences.

This significant traffic enforcement and educational safety initiative aims to combat Distracted driving, Impaired driving, Speed compliance, and Seat belt safety—key factors in road safety.

AAA said only about six inches of water is enough to cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Their biggest advice? Turn around and don’t drown.

Fatal crashes while driving for work are the leading cause of job-related deaths in the United States every year, but a new program aims to help fleet drivers arrive alive.

After decades of declining fatality rates, dangerous driving has surged again.

Between 1980 and 2010, the number of pedestrians killed in traffic dropped steadily in the United States. Then, that trend reversed.

Ratings that reflect progress across the country to pass 16 important traffic safety laws and countermeasures to combat dangerous driving have been announced.

The best way to keep you and your loved one safe is to have a plan.

Drive Safe Hampton Roads, or DSHR, is sponsoring 757 Sober Ride on New Year’s Eve.

Some common medications -- including antidepressants, sleep aids and painkillers -- may dull the driving skills of seniors, a new study finds.

New National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data shows across the nation, drunk driving deaths were the highest in December in almost 15 years – and it’s unfortunately a trend we continue to see in Virginia.

At least three families have gotten a phone call they never wanted to receive in 2023 that their high school-aged sons - had been killed in a driving [crash].

Alongside restrictions on when they can drive, drivers under the age 18 are also only allowed to have one passenger under 21 in their car.

The findings have potential implications for the safety of older patients who may benefit from counseling about safe driving.

Traffic deaths are up 18% since 2019, despite fewer miles being driven. Distracted driving may play a part.

As the Virginia State Police prepares for a weekend of mixed precipitation across most of the Commonwealth, Virginians are encouraged to get ready and plan ahead, too.

In a world that’s always on the move, ensuring the safety of both drivers and pedestrians is the top priority. As we approach 2024, the landscape of traffic safety technology is undergoing significant changes

These nine New Year's resolutions to drive more responsibly in the year ahead will help make those roads safer for yourself and other drivers, including law enforcement and first responders who risk their lives every day working traffic incidents.

As a parent or guardian, successfully guiding your teen through this process demands patience, clear communication, and a steadfast dedication to safety.

FHWA and the road construction industry agree on one thing: The safety of crews in work zones is a priority. Ramped-up construction means the risk to highway workers is as great or greater this year than last.

145 agencies across the commonwealth are taking part, with 646 saturation patrols and 71 sobriety checkpoints planned through New Year’s Day.

Christmas is now in the rear view mirror, and it’s time to start making New Year’s resolutions.

Holidays mean travel for many people. Keep yourself and your fellow travelers safe by following these tips while traveling during the holiday season.

In 2023, traffic fatalities seemed to be on the decline from recent years, but the numbers are still higher than before the pandemic — and pedestrian deaths on roadways remain at crisis levels.

The programs are intended to decrease impaired driving and speeding and increase seat belt use, as well as to promote the safety of pedestrians, motorcyclists, bicyclists and drivers in communities, according to the DMV.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced that all 20 participating automakers have fulfilled a voluntary pledge to equip nearly all the light vehicles they produce for the U.S. market with automatic emergency braking (AEB).

Since 2010, pedestrian deaths have risen in the U.S. by more than 70 percent, according to the Governor's Highway Safety Association and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In Hampton Roads, preliminary data from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles shows 133 crashes, 77 injuries, and three deaths in the region between December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2023.

432 Virginians were injured in alcohol related crashes last holiday season

Free or reduced Lyft ride-shares are being offered once again to alcohol-impaired drivers throughout Hampton Roads on New Year’s Eve.

Section 24111 of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Ref. 49 U.S.C. 355), requires the establishment of a Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC).

The annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign aims to drastically reduce drunk driving on our nation’s roadways through a two-pronged approach of education and enforcement.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that more than 10,000 lives would be saved every year if drivers with illegal blood alcohol levels were kept off the road

Virginia’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over DUI enforcement and public education campaign is on a mission to keep Virginia’s roads safe from drunk drivers this holiday season.

Today, the American Trucking Associations and professional drivers from ATA’s Share the Road highway safety program encouraged the estimated 115.2 million people traveling over the holiday season this year to practice safety as they hit the road for the holidays.

During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, special attention must be paid to one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities in the U.S.

Technology continues to introduce new distractions to deal with. Defensive driving can be an important piece of a strategy to help combat distracted driving.

Arriving at your destination safely always requires thought and preparation — especially in the winter. Making sure that you and your vehicle are ready for winter travel is vital to your safety.

Collisions in parking lots are one of the most common collisions every year. They typically don’t get a great deal of attention because they usually don’t involve injury or death.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today announced the 11th edition of the “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways,” known as the MUTCD.

In 2021 alone, more than 7,500 pedestrians died on American streets. And cycling fatalities rose more than 44 % between 2010 and 2020.

A clear glaze that forms on surfaces because of a light freezing rain or because of melting and refreezing of snow or ice, black ice is especially dangerous because it looks like regular black pavement to drivers...

NIOSH says research has shown that drivers who are using cell phones may be watching the road but fail to see up to 50% of the information in their driving environment.

Sometime around 2009, American roads started to become deadlier for pedestrians, particularly at night.

The shift to self-driving cars may lead to lower cognitive or coordination skills and spatial memory.

In 2021, there were 164 fatalities from collisions with animals, most of them from October through December, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

While we are enjoying the warmth of the holiday season, crews with VDOT are already planning for what could head our way during the colder winter months.

According to a new CMT analysis, Christmas and New Year’s Day are the most distracted days of the year. Christmas also sees the most speeding of any day of the year while New Year’s comes in fourth.

This material has been prepared for general information purposes only. It is not guaranteed to be current and should be independently verified.

The US Census Bureau says the 70 and older population is expected to reach 53 million by 2030

Many people are planning their holiday travel next week, but before you hit the road, remember to buckle up.

Sometime around 2009, American roads started to become deadlier for pedestrians, particularly at night. Fatalities have risen since, reversing the effects of decades of safety improvements.

In 2021, Congress directed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to mandate a passive technology to try to avert more than 10,000 road deaths annually. The law requires a new technology safety standard by November 2024 if the technology is ready.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of seatbelt injuries, delving into their various types, the underlying causes, and the preventive measures that can be taken to minimize the risks associated with them.

VDOT's new website is live, and is the first redesign in 15 years, according to a news release from the agency.

Traffic deaths are still above pre-pandemic levels but lower than the 31,880 deaths reported in the first nine months of 2022.

A plethora of studies confirm that speeding, red-light and school bus stop-arm camera programs are a proven way to change driver behavior, resulting in increased safety for everyone on the road.

With more than 13,000 people dying in alcohol-related crashes in 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is exploring ways that cars and trucks could use sensors to block people from driving drunk.

The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority launched a new safe driving campaign to inform people of the risks of driving under the influence of cannabis.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, ROADWAY FATALITIES AND THE FATALITY RATE declined consistently for 30 years, but progress has stalled over the last decade and receded in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic.

Hundreds of thousands of lives could be saved and tens of millions of crashes prevented thanks to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning.

Marcy Edwards, senior research engineer of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), recently announced the institute is developing a path for the future of IIHS rear-impact testing.

Each year in the U.S. thousands of people are killed, and hundreds of thousands injured, in crashes in which driver distraction played a role.

Car crash deaths surged 27% over the 10 years ending in 2021. Experts are considering everything from new technology to changes in advertising to stop it.

The report makes several recommendations for states and traffic safety partners to identify and overcome key barriers when creating or expanding an automated enforcement program.

“Daylighting” intersections to improve visibility for drivers is an effective way to make crosswalks safer for pedestrians.

Do Americans hit lethal speeds because they're in a rush, or because they have no idea that they're increasing their chances of death with every tick of the odometer?

Drunk driving fatality rates surge around the New Year’s holiday, but with rates increasing overall, this holiday season could see even more deaths.

In December of 2022, there were 604 alcohol-related crashes in Virginia, and there were 14 deaths.

This report supports the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy, which includes a special focus on reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

Alcohol, distraction or speeding were the most deadly factors for pedestrians and cyclists in Virginia for at least the past three years.

Safety advocates say it's time for automakers to adopt new technology in cars to reduce speeding.

Virginia teens are being encouraged to jingle their way to a safe holiday—and win a cash prize of up to $500--by creating a safe driving song or tune for a statewide competition.

Rural roads are beautiful, but they’re hiding a deadly secret – nearly half of all fatal crashes occur on them, even though only 19 percent of the U.S. population lives in rural areas. 

As a number of initiatives are underway to discourage distracted driving, a new report highlights drowsy driving as another risky behavior requiring intervention.

Speed-related fatalities increased by 39% between 2017 and 2022, according to the report.

The number of adults 65 and older has increased by 29% between 2012 and 2021 in the United States, and many older adults continue to be active drivers on the nation's roads.

Alcohol, Drugs and Fatigue Are Major Factors in Fatal Holiday Crashes; National Road Safety Foundation Urges Motorists to Plan Ahead for Holiday Driving.

Driving in the winter presents a series of challenges to you as a driver. You’ll experience reduced grip thanks to ice and rain and may have to drive in the dark more often when the days grow short.

Virginia experienced a 53% decrease in the number of fatal traffic crashes over the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday, according to Virginia State Police (VSP).

During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we call on everyone to help save a life by planning ahead, calling for a ride, only driving when sober, and helping friends and loved ones do the same every time.

A new report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety identifies six types of drivers by analyzing risky driving behaviors.

Over the last few decades, the technology available in our cars has advanced by leaps and bounds.

On a Saturday afternoon in January 2022, a 2018 Dodge Challenger ran through a stop sign in Las Vegas, picked up the pace to a speed of 103 miles per hour and flew through an intersection on a red light.

Bike trips in the United States have soared since 2019—and fatalities have increased along with them.

New data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that it is not only vehicle height, but also the shape of the front end of a vehicle, that can put pedestrians at risk.

As the holiday season approaches, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is taking proactive steps to ensure road safety for all Virginians.

Natalie Rainer has added her voice to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) message.

The overarching purpose of the committee is to provide advice and recommendations to the transportation secretary on safety regulations to reduce underride crashes.

With an estimated 55.4 million people traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday this year, the American Trucking Associations and professional drivers from ATA’s Share the Road program are encouraging Americans to practice safety on the roads.

As people head out of town for family gatherings — and gather locally for libations with friends — police in Arlington and throughout Virginia will be on the lookout for traffic and safety violations.

Six teens, aged 14 to 17, were taken to hospitals with life-threatening injuries, Fairfax County police said. Many hadn't used seat belts

Day and night before Thanksgiving (aka Black Wednesday, Awkward Wednesday or Whiskey Wednesday) are among most dangerous times on the road, traffic safety group says.

A horrific car crash that killed nine has federal safety officials calling for systematic responses to traffic violence — including the aggressive car ads that may inspire motorists to hit the gas.

Fewer daylight hours, snowy or icy conditions, limited visibility – these are some of the hazards drivers can encounter during the winter.

One father is sharing an important message with students about distracted driving. Joel Feldman's daughter Casey was killed by a distracted driver 14 years ago when she was just 21 years old.

People are driving fewer miles than they were in 2019, but more are dying on roadways.

Be alert to red flags suggesting that a family member – or you –– should consider hanging up the keys.

Over the holiday period in 2020, 36% of fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver.

Narrowing lanes can improve road safety and reclaim space for other uses.

Vehicles with higher front ends and blunt profiles are 45% more likely to cause fatalities in crashes with pedestrians than smaller cars and trucks, according to new research published Tuesday by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The annual awareness week is meant to serve as a reminder to the public of Move Over laws and Traffic Incident Management responder training for all professionals who work traffic incidents.

Cyclists and pedestrians are reporting a rise in distracted driving. The phenomenon is both real and legal in many states.

Critics argue that pedestrian safety is being compromised by the practice.

Eventually, driving can become unsafe for an older driver, their passengers, and others on the road. If you notice a decline in driving abilities in a loved one, or in yourself, what's the best way to handle this?

Nearly half of Virginia’s marijuana consumers report not always having a plan for a sober ride, according to a news release by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority.

Much of the research looking directly at the impact of right-on-red policies is years if not decades old, but both sides argue it's still relevant.

Targeted interventions aim to reduce the higher pedestrian death rates in communities of color and low-income communities and make cities more walkable for all.

A “universal” decline in walking trips from 2019 to 2022 comes as pedestrian deaths hit a record high, according to a new report. But there’s a bright spot.

Many teens say they've driven while they feel drowsy — and they believe that it’s not as dangerous as driving while drunk or distracted.

The end of Daylight Saving Time can disturb sleep patterns and brings shorter daylight for Virginia commuters. AAA has safe driving tips.

Complete Streets, Vision Zero and the safe system approach all aim to improve pedestrian safety. The federal government is finally putting big dollars behind the effort, too.

Every minute of every day, law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency medical services (EMS), public works, transportation, towing, and other responders work roadside to make roadways safe for all road users. These traffic incident responders put their lives at risk when clearing each of the nearly 7 million annual motor vehicle crashes or the broader range of incidents such as stalled vehicles or roadway debris.

Traffic safety advocates are reminding drivers about the new changes to the Move Over law, especially as Daylight Saving Time ends.

Experts cite risky, distracted and impaired driving — as well as less traffic enforcement — as factors sending pedestrian fatalities to new highs. Can new funding reverse the tide?

The new PSAs, entitled "Really Scary," tap into the insight that the temptation for tech is visceral and ever-present, so drivers might not realize when they shift into distracted driving.

Rising costs related to inexperienced drivers and distracted driving are behind a new effort to educate the public — particularly teen drivers — about sharing the road with truckers.

Researchers at Virginia Tech’s Transportation Institute will soon hand the keys to lawmakers and developers, after creating a blueprint for how self-driving vehicles can safely interact with other cars on state roadways.

Halloween might be a time for fictional scares like vampires and zombies, but over in Giles County on Tuesday, students at Narrows High School got to see some real-life scares using simulated emergency situations.

It’s uncomfortable to talk about older adults and driving, a fact that many families who’ve worried about a loved one’s dwindling eyesight, reaction time, or cognition behind the wheel are well aware of.

The number of pedestrians killed by vehicles in the United States has surged over the last several years, with fatalities increasing at a faster rate than any other type of traffic-related death, recent data shows.

William Byrd High School event.

From March 2020 to March 2022, the cumulative miles driven in the U.S. climbed by 22 percent (Federal Highway Administration).

The arrival of fall brings shorter daylight hours, leading to higher risk of crashes on our roads.

At the 2023 Safety Summit hosted by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, key federal modal agency officials discussed ways to reduce roadway fatalities and injuries to zero.

The holiday season is quickly approaching. With Halloween coming up and Thanksgiving just around the corner, authorities across southwest Virginia are encouraging us to travel safely.

The crash and fatality rates for drivers under 21 have improved drastically over the past two decades – more so than for other drivers.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has launched ToGetThere, the nonprofit’s first new campaign in over 30 years, urging Americans to take action against impaired driving this holiday season.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on roadway safety nationwide.
Data scientists presented theoretical reasons for this at September’s DRIVE SMART Virginia Distracted Driving Summit, held in Blacksburg and partially sponsored by Virginia Farm Bureau.

New preliminary data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration shows a noticeable drop in large-truck crash injuries and fatalities, a positive development as the agency considers new rules designed to prevent such crashes and mitigate their effects.

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, in 2021 there were about 21,000 distracted driving-related crashes which was up 17% from the year 2020.

The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) is making new efforts to warn people about the dangers of driving while high.

According to data from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there were over 17,000 crashes last year involving teen drivers, 89 of them were fatal.

As winter weather encroaches, VDOT has issued an advisory encouraging drivers to be prepared with an emergency winter driving kit.

Strasburg High School students recently got a crash course on the impacts of distracted and impaired driving through DRIVE SMART Virginia's simulators.

Now in Virginia, drivers who approach any stationary vehicle along the roadway displaying flashing lights or other warning signals must slow down and move over one lane, if it is safe to do so, or face a fine.

Waning daylight hours and the end of Daylight Saving Time will bring darker evening commuting and reduced visibility.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), home of the Virginia Highway Safety Office, is encouraging parents to talk with their teens about the importance of driving safely and urges teens to speak up if they see something dangerous or feel unsafe in a vehicle.

Incident serves as "a stark reminder of the importance of safe driving practices," police said.

The U.S. Postal Service held a National Logistics Symposium for employees from Oct. 24-26 in Kansas City. The symposium provided information on the latest driver technology, safe driving strategies, driver training and an award recognition for USPS tractor trailer operators.

Virginia Tech Transportation Institute researchers and their partners recently put an autonomous Ford F-150 through a series of driving scenarios related to public safety on the 395 express lanes in Arlington, Va.

RVers can learn from highway mishaps like these and stay safer while traveling on the road. These are just a few examples of what we’ve experienced.

Two new studies show that GPS-tracking and roadside cameras can pinpoint when and how often drivers use smartphones while on the road.

It’s National Teen Driver Safety Week! From October 15-21, the National Highway Association as well as other national traffic agencies work to spread the word about teens driving safely and making sure they know the rules of the road.

The only thing scarier than zombies and witches loose on the streets is an impaired driver. This Halloween, make happy memories, not tragic nightmares by getting behind the wheel after drinking.

AAA is reminding drivers that this is the time of year when they are most likely to strike a deer, which can be both dangerous and now, significantly more expensive than in years past.

When your teen gets a driver’s license, you'll likely have mixed emotions. While you’re off the hook for carpools, it’s scary to think about your baby behind the wheel.

The National Distracted Driving Coalition (NDDC) urges drivers to “set it and forget it” on the second annual National Do Not Disturb While Driving Day, being held Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.

November is still the most dangerous month with an industry-estimated 297,000 collisions.

Virginia State Police (VSP) is launching a campaign to crack down on dangerous driving on the Commonwealth’s interstates — starting with Interstate 64.

Strict driver distraction policies, cellphone blockers, and zero-tolerance mandates will not solve the larger issues of distracted driving in commercial trucking.

Young drivers are nearly four times more likely to be involved in a fatal traffic crash than their older counterparts, but a GHSA report confirms that crash and fatality rates for drivers under 21 have improved drastically over the past two decades – more so than for other drivers.

Police discovered that a vehicle had hit a VDOT Safety Support Patrol truck, and had also struck the VDOT worker who was outside the VDOT truck at the time.

Virginia saw a rise in crashes last year involving deer, causing safety experts to warn drivers to be cautious on the road.

Using a cell phone or engaging with other in-vehicle technologies has become one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes across the Commonwealth.

In the U.S., there are approximately two million collisions between vehicles and animals every year, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence, offer new ways to understand the prevalence and dangers of distracted driving.

If you’re headed cross country or just a few hours away, follow these tips for fall road trip safety with your family.

The number of pedestrians struck and killed by vehicles reached—and then surpassed—a 40-year high in 2021, according to the latest national data released by the Governors Highways Safety Association, a nonprofit representation of US state and territorial highway safety offices.

National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 15-21, 2023 and the National Road Safety Foundation reminds parents that this is a good time to have a conversation with teens about safe driving habits.

When aging eyes meet nighttime roadways, driving can be hazardous. Here’s how you can make the road you travel safer.

Trinette Porter wept uncontrollably as she described Sunday’s sudden and preventable death of 52-year-old Craig Boone, who is affectionately known as Bread.

The “do not disturb while driving” setting on your cellphone isn’t just for remaining undisturbed during meetings or movies. It also can limit phone distractions behind the wheel and help make roadways safer.

Oct. 15-21 is National Teen Driver Safety Week. Because car crashes are the leading cause of preventable death for teens, DriveitHOME and Honda want every parent to be prepared to protect their new drivers behind the wheel.

Low-cost strategies include conducting a walk-through of school grounds and creating use policies for outside groups.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving held its annual Walk Like MADD event Saturday in Henrico’s Dorey Park.

With many students, staff, and visitors using the campus roads daily, ensuring safe movement for pedestrians and vehicles becomes a top priority.

Some common medications -- including antidepressants, sleep aids and painkillers -- may dull the driving skills of seniors, a new study finds.

In the fight to make roadways safer, lawmakers are toughening handheld and texting bans to make cellphone use while driving a primary offense.

News of the indictment came several days after a Pedestrian Safety Study of the downtown campus was released by the university and City of Richmond.

Drive Smart Virginia provided a driving simulator for students to see the difficulty of driving distracted first-hand.

From July 10 to 16, officers issued 4,494 tickets/citations and 5,756 warnings to drivers – commercial motor vehicle and passenger vehicle drivers combined.

The latest federal data shows more than 2,600 people died in crashes involving a teen driver in 2021. That’s up 11% from the previous year, according to a report released by the National Transportation Safety Administration in August.

This is the time of year when drivers are most likely to strike a deer, which can be both dangerous and now, significantly more expensive than in years past.

Roadside cameras and telematics data could provide a more complete picture of driver cellphone use, two new studies from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety suggest.

Students across the Commonwealth are one month into the school year, and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) remind motorists of the importance of school bus safety laws and being extra alert for children getting on and off school buses.

Government test data shows new passenger vehicles in the U.S. are extremely safe, but roadway deaths are steadily rising

New data reveals big gains in cycling since the start of Covid-19. But there’s a warning, too.

As Bicyclist and Pedestrian Awareness Month approaches, every road user should be mindful of an alarming uptick in nationwide fatalities involving walkers and bikers.

IndyCar champ Josef Newgarden says that driving a car on the street has more in common with zipping around the ovals than you might think.

Teaching actual driving skills and rules is important, but there are other things that go beyond the basics that will help transform your teen from a novice driver into an expert.

Advances in ADAS are making roads safer than ever before. But how safe? How many crashes will today’s technology prevent and how many lives will be saved?

Teens' biggest safety threat is getting behind the wheel; parental involvement is key to keeping young drivers safe on the roads

An estimated 19,515 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes, representing a decrease of about 3.3% as compared to 20,190 fatalities in the first half of 2022.

New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that drivers who use advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) grow more comfortable with the technology over time -sometimes too comfortable.

During the 15-week campaign, which runs from Memorial Day weekend through the end of Labor Day Weekend, driving on the roads remained a risky endeavor for our Sailors and Marines.

Walking through the yard of her grandmother's home in Bumpass, Va., Kayla Smith can recall the many weekends she spent there as a child playing with her cousins.

A new mainstream media report is drawing attention to an increase in traffic fatalities despite an increase in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) meant to make vehicles safer.

If you have Android Auto in your car, you’re in luck: it is one of the infotainment systems with the most compatible applications and that supports the most customization.

Once the musings of movie makers and authors, self-driving cars are finally beginning to edge into reality.

Protestors called for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require side guard and stronger rear guards on all tractor trailers.

Nearly half of all Americans now live in a jurisdiction where it’s legal to smoke weed.

Students heard from law enforcement, driving instructors and healthcare professionals about how driving distracted or impaired impacts everyone on the road.

In the United States, pedestrians are an integral part of the urban ecosystem, but they also face many dangers that pose significant threats to their safety.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes are a leading cause of death for children under the age of 14.

Amid a recent surge in traffic deaths and dangerous driving behaviors, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) has updated the Policies and Priorities that guide the organization’s work to prevent traffic crashes, injuries and deaths on U.S. roads.

North American freight and passenger railroads, law enforcement agencies and first responders are marking Rail Safety Week, which runs today through Sept. 24.

It doesn't matter if you've been riding for decades or for a few weeks, safety should always be every rider's top priority.

In 2021, speeding killed 12,330 people. Experts say enforcement of speed limit laws is critical to discouraging drivers from speeding.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 dramatically changed many aspects of Americans’ daily lives, including travel behavior.

Preliminary estimates released by the National Safety Council indicate traffic deaths in the United States declined 3 percent through the first six months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.

The use of car seats to protect children on the road has been recommended by major pediatric organizations — and required by state laws — for decades.

One crash investigation spiraled into another on Sunday, when a van veered off of the road along Interstate 95 and hit a Virginia State Police trooper who was pulled over investigating another crash.

Virginia’s youth are speaking out about buckling up. Schools and youth groups across the Commonwealth launched a statewide campaign Monday to increase seat belt usage among teens and youth.

Every year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration partners with local communities to hold Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs this year from Sept. 17-23.

The Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) defines a “Clear Zone” as an unobstructed, traversable roadside area that allows a driver to stop safely or regain control of a vehicle that has left the roadway (1).

Ever wonder why driving can cause you to doze off so easily? Avoid driver fatigue by recognizing the signs and learn how to stay alert.

This historic funding will help reduce the frequency and severity of commercial motor vehicle crashes on our nation’s roadways and support truck drivers by expanding access to truck parking, investing in critical technology, improving safety in work zones, rural areas and high crash corridors, and more

Autumn is around the corner and the season brings with it specific weather-related driving hazards.

Crashes and other incidents can be costly in more ways than one for fleet managers, making safety a top priority in their operations.

Roanoke County Public Schools is teaming up with local and state agencies to hold a series of parent & student meetings about teen driving at each high school during the month of October, 2023.

Officials are finding ways of creating training that can help prevent and mitigate potential risks for police and law enforcement officers on patrol.

Historical data analyzed by Cambridge Mobile Telematics and CargoNet indicates that carriers should exhibit heightened safety awareness this holiday weekend as risks rise.

Residents in some states do better than others at adhering to the speed limit, according to a new analysis from Assurance.

To help ensure their own safety, fleet drivers should prepare both themselves and their vehicles before they take to the roadways.

New analysis from AAA, which examined five years of crash data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, points to the lack of proper child restraint use among children injured or killed in car crashes.

With a goal of increasing road safety, a Virginia Commonwealth University professor is working to develop a faster, more effective breathalyzer for THC, the component of cannabis most associated with its psychoactive effects.

Thirteen individuals died in 10 traffic crashes over the 2023 Labor Day holiday weekend in Virginia, according to preliminary reports. Half of the traffic crashes involved motorcycles, in which seven motorcycle operators and passengers lost their lives.

Stakeholders must work closely together to combat distracted driving as in-vehicle infotainment systems and other onboard electronics divert eyes away from the road, says an executive from a mobility and data analytics company.

The number of motor vehicle-related deaths dipped 3.4% in the first half of the year compared with the same period in 2022, according to the National Safety Council.

Governor Glenn Youngkin kicked off the campaign alongside law enforcement, medical professionals, and EMS responders who work tirelessly day and night to save lives from the dangers of drinking and driving.

Analysis by the National Safety Council shows 455 people may lose their life in a preventable traffic crash over this year's Labor Day holiday weekend, which kicks off Friday, Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. and extends through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4.

More fatal crashes occur in summer than any other time of year, reports U.S.A. Today. Based on data from the United States Department of Transportation analysts found that in 2020 and 2021, more than 30% of all fatal crashes happened between June and August.

Arlington County police will conduct a high-visibility transportation safety campaign in and around school zones starting Monday, Aug. 28.

TikTokers are putting themselves in “music time-out” after nearly getting into car [crashes] while looking for music on their phones or dashboards — and the trend is highlighting the dangers of distracted driving.

With $8.9 million in state funding, the Department of Public Works plans to touch one in ten Richmond intersections.

A new study proposes public health officials and planners treat traffic violence as an epidemiological problem.

A cartoon character named Ivy was designed by a Roanoke City deputy, and now signs are going up around school areas and online.

Traffic fatalities declined by an estimated 3% during the first six months of 2023 while miles traveled by American motorists increased 2.3% across the same period of time, a new report found.

This week Virginia launched its 2023 Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over DUI campaign, which includes more police visibility and increased traffic enforcement now through the Labor Day holiday.

Here's a look at the invention of rumble strips, as well as the many different variations and names that the road safety features are known by.

Road traffic fatalities in the United States increased at the rate of 3 percent annually between 2011 and 2021.

Twelve people lost their lives in fatal traffic crashes in Virginia throughout 2022’s four-day Labor Day holiday weekend, according to Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles crash data.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a proposed rule which requires automobile manufacturers to equip vehicles with seat belt use warning systems for the right front passenger and rear seats to increase seat belt use.

New research describes transportation engineers as part of the public health workforce, and argues they should emphasize strategies that reduce risk for greater proportions of the population.

The parents of two James River High School students who died in a speed-related car crash on April 11 joined forces with the Chesterfield County Police Department to urge people to take driving seriously.

Brake Safety Week roadside inspectors conduct North American Standard Inspections, which cover a range of driver qualifications, documentation, and vehicle equipment conditions.

Transportation safety is a shared responsibility and it is up to all of us to keep our students safe by following the rules of the road.

Traffic deaths showed a 3% decrease for the first six months of this year compared to the same period for 2022, according to National Safety Council (NSC) estimates announced today.

The 2023-2024 school year is upon us, and parents all over the country are preparing to send their students back to school.

Speeding makes it more difficult to control a vehicle, extends the stopping distance and reduces the ability to steer safely around another vehicle, pedestrian or hazard in the roadway.

Reinforcing the message that texting and driving can have deadly consequences can motivate motorists to stay off their phones, thereby reducing traffic fatalities, according to new MU research.

According to police reports, around 3,350 people were killed in all distraction-related crashes in 2021, and 382 died in crashes involving cell phone use.

In 2022, full-size pickup trucks had the highest theft rate of all vehicles — comprising 25% of total vehicle thefts, according to a new analysis from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

Fleet professionals offered their own perspectives in response to a recent Automotive Fleet article examining trends in fleet safety.

School bus safety is a priority as kids head back to the classroom. Local districts and their school resource officers said you can play a role in protecting our kids.

The enforcement effort will be supported by a $13.8 million paid media campaign using a mix of television, radio, digital, social media and billboards to educate drivers about the dangers of impaired driving.

“One of the deadliest and most often committed - yet preventable - of crimes (impaired driving), has become a serious safety epidemic in our country.”

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has unveiled a new and enhanced dmv.virginia.gov that helps customers easily find important information online, enabling them to expedite their visit or avoid a visit altogether.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes advancement in driver and front seat passenger seat safety over the years, yet rear seat research has been neglected.

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are the eyes and ears of your car. They use sensors and cameras to detect potential hazards, warn drivers, and can take corrective action automatically.

More fatal crashes occur in summer than any other time of year, reports U.S.A. Today. Based on data from the United States Department of Transportation analysts found that in 2020 and 2021, more than 30% of all fatal crashes happened between June and August.

Dubbed "360 Blitz," the goal is to reduce roadway fatalities involving pedestrians and vehicles.

The Virginia Department of Transportation offers tips to stay safe on major highways and interstates during poor weather.

In an effort to decrease unrestrained traffic injuries and fatalities, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles has launched its 2023 Local Heroes campaign, encouraging drivers and passengers to wear their seat belts.

Older adults in the U.S. don’t necessarily want to give up their car keys — even when they may be experiencing cognitive decline, a new study shows.

National Stop on Red Week, August 6-12, serves as an important reminder of the dangers we face on our roads and the responsibility we all hold to Stop on Red.

In July, dozens of Allies in Action gathered at USDOT’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. for a first-ever workshop to share progress, review case studies of notable practices, encourage new commitments, and make connections to meet common safety goals.

According to an analysis conducted by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), an organization dedicated to predicting, preventing, and prosecuting insurance crime, full-size pickups were the most targeted vehicles for theft in 2022.

As forecasts and conditions could change, travelers should pay close attention to local weather reports and announcements from officials and limit their travels based on conditions.

As she approaches her second year as administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Robin Hutcheson sees an opportunity to better understand the “root cause” of crashes.

A teenage cyclist was killed and another teenager was charged with murder after a carjacking and police pursuit in eastern Henrico County.

Do you drive your child to school? It’s vital for you to stay alert and avoid distracted driving, the National Safety Council says.

It seems obvious that texting and walking can be a dangerous duo, but now a new Australian study offers solid evidence of the dangers.

Getting a driver's license used to be a rite of passage for teens, now some are choosing to wait longer to hit the roads.

Deterring aggressive driving, reducing crashes, and changing driving behavior is the aim of the program launched in March.

Multitasking has a hidden cost for drivers that past analyses have not taken into account.

In a recent analysis by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, 16 SUV models ranked among a total of 23 vehicles across all categories with the lowest rates of driver deaths.

While fleet operators spend a lot of time on safety programs, it’s important to remind drivers of basic steps they can take to ensure their own safety behind the wheel.

Red light running happens frequently and is often deadly. In 2021, 1,109 people were killed in crashes that involved red light running, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

GM thinks it can teach its customers to use its hands-free Super Cruise system safely. But Tesla may be muddying the waters.

Rarely does a teen driver climb into the driver’s seat of a Class 8 tractor, but Virginia Tech Transportation Institute’s Sharing the Road with Trucks program puts them there.

While government statistics may not fully capture its extent, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety research suggests that around 16% to 21% of fatal vehicle crashes involve drowsy driving.

Automatic emergency braking systems are becoming more common in trucking and are seen as a 'slam dunk for roadway safety.' They're gaining in popularity, but how do they work, and how are they maintained?

UC San Diego scientists evaluate how accurate law-enforcement administered field sobriety tests are at measuring cannabis exposure and impairment.

Christy King, mother of Christopher King, and founder of the Christopher King Foundation, was recognized during the annual Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety (YOVASO) Awards “for her courage in speaking out in order to help save young lives.” (YOVASO)

When you think of a fleet of vehicles, how many come to mind? Ten? A hundred?

Mike Lindgren designs roads for a living. For 30 years, he’s tried to help create highways, intersections and interchanges that move traffic safely.

States that have laws to govern when ignition interlock devices may be removed from drunk driving offenders’ vehicles have significantly lower rates of repeat driving under the influence (DUI) offenses than states which do not.

Whether it’s gesturing, shouting, threatening — or worse — anger behind the wheel is becoming far too common on America’s roadways. Aggressive behaviors, ranging from speeding to acts of violence, pose a threat not only to other drivers but to passengers and pedestrians as well.

There is a crisis unfolding on U.S. streets: pedestrian deaths are at a 40-year high, with over 7,000 pedestrians killed by by drivers each year.

Distraction has been causing crashes since people began driving. Our screen addiction has both added to the problem and drawn new attention to it.

It’s time to create AV benchmarking and enable widespread deployment and use of autonomous vehicles.

By encouraging safe driving habits, Project Yellow Light serves as a force for positive change, aiming to prevent tragedies and save lives.

Gesturing, shouting, threatening, or worse, has become far too common for drivers on roadways in Virginia and throughout the United States.

The daily commute – even in ideal conditions – can be stressful for drivers “for intriguing reasons,” says a team of Texas researchers.

The Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety organization (YOVASO) gave some driving advice during its summer retreat at James Madison University.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently launched a three-week “Speeding Wrecks Lives” speeding prevention campaign that runs from July 10 through July 31

From packing to preparing for exams, there are so many things to do while going to college to start this new chapter of life. However, along with these things, there is also one significant thing you should never forget: Driving safely.

On average, someone fell victim to a suspected road rage incident every 16 hours in 2022, according to data from Everytown Research and Policy data.

One of the most difficult conversations you may have with your aging parents involves whether they should continue to drive.

The new NHTSA findings indicate that speeders may have a tendency to be roadway rule-breakers in general — not just when they put the pedal to the medal.

The 10th Annual Distracted Driving Summit by Drive Smart Virginia is getting ready for their event in Blacksburg this September and recently announced one of their guest speakers.

A possibly record-breaking sentence for a Florida motorist is prompting a conversation about what the consequences might stop the national epidemic of distracted driving — and who should receive them.

Navigating multi-lane roads means dealing with more risks. When the lanes are many, so are the dangers.

The Albemarle County Police Department says it has seen a drop in fatal crashes this year. Despite this, officers are still seeing a lot of craziness on highways and byways.

The summer months are the busiest time on the roads and for teens with ADHD, a new driver’s license carries a lot of responsibility.

In the United States, some 7,508 people on foot were stuck and killed by motor vehicles in 2022 — a 1% increase over the 7,443 pedestrian deaths in 2021.

Is it me, or have you also noticed that since returning to the streets after the COVID-19 shutdown, drivers are driving more aggressively and are far less courteous?

Help your fleet drivers understand the factors that contribute to lane-changing crashes so they can take the necessary steps to avoid a collision while switching lanes.

Vehicle thefts spike during summertime, and that’s why police departments, transportation associations and organizations like Drive Smart Virginia are reminding people about car security during July’s Vehicle Theft Prevention Month.

Of those who died, one was a motorcyclist, two were drivers and two were passengers. The fatal crashes took place in Arlington, Buchanan, Charles City and Craig counties.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is partnering with advocates and experts from across the country to launch its “Speeding Wrecks Lives” speeding prevention campaign.

Here's what the research says about what makes traffic intersections unsafe and crosswalk designs that can improve pedestrian safety.

Drunk driving is one of the deadliest yet most preventable behaviors that accounts for nearly one-third of the nation’s traffic crash fatalities. Alcohol-impaired driving deaths have skyrocketed 31% in just two years, rising from 10,196 in 2019 to 13,384 in 2021.

A new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds that raising posted speed limits may do little to save time and increase traffic flow but could lead to more crashes, injuries, and deaths.

Six of the 21 vehicles with the highest driver death rates for model year 2020 are variants of the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger and Ford Mustang, while eight others are small cars or minicars.

Virginia State Police took to Twitter to call out a driver they say was going more than 80 miles over the speed limit on Interstate 66.

For every driver who finds a legal and safe place to park, we need 11 more parking spaces every day.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 9,330 people died in traffic crashes in the first three months of 2023; a decrease of about 3.3 percent as compared to 9,645 estimated fatalities during the same time period in 2022.

Seat belts are one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injuries and deaths in motor vehicle crashes.

Starting Saturday, July 1, many new laws will go into effect in the Commonwealth. One of those makes changes to the ‘Move Over’ law.

The roads will be crowded as millions of Americans are expected to travel over the long Independence Day holiday weekend.

Governor's association says an average of 20 pedestrians died each day.

Summer is a high traffic time for many teens as they spend more time on the road.

As electric vehicles become more common, concerns over their safety, not just for those who drive them but for others on the road as well, are also increasing.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced July 9-15 for this year’s Operation Safe Driver Week.

The new proposal mandates that heavy vehicles must be equipped with automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems. Introducing such systems aims to lessen the occurrence and impact of rear-end crashes.

Heat stress can significantly impact drivers' performance and cognitive abilities, posing risks not only to their own safety but also to the safety of others on the road.

According to People for Bikes, a bicycling advocacy organization, 34 percent of Americans rode bikes in 2022 (PDF), which is more than in 2018 and 2016 (both 32 percent).

Technology is making it tougher to steal locked, unoccupied vehicles, so thieves often turn to carjacking or fake police stops to steal occupied vehicles.

Vehicle speed and size, alcohol use, time of day and lack of pedestrian infrastructure contribute to the ongoing increase in fatalities, traffic safety experts said.

Despite just over half of states seeing a decrease in pedestrian traffic deaths in 2022, the number of fatalities nationwide continues to creep up, a new report finds.

The government will require heavy trucks and buses to include automatic emergency braking equipment within five years, the federal traffic safety agency said Thursday, estimating it will prevent nearly 20,000 crashes and save at least 155 lives a year.

It’s often said that people are more likely to change their behavior when they know they’re being watched. Now D.C. wants to see if that’s actually true with dangerous drivers.

The Virginia DMV said last year 1,005 people died on Virginia roadways.

TRIP’s report said the number of U.S. traffic fatalities increased 19 percent from 2019 to 2022 – from 36,096 to 42,795 – and the nation’s fatality rate per 100 million VMT increased 22 percent during that time, from 1.11 to 1.35.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has shared new data indicating traffic fatalities dropped 3.3% during Q1 2023, representing the fourth consecutive quarterly decline.

Around 619 people may be killed in roadway crashes during the Fourth of July weekend, according to estimates from the National Safety Council.

Road safety advocates gathered off Pocahontas Parkway in Henrico County on Tuesday to draw attention to a new law that takes effect July 1 impacting all drivers in Virginia.

As of June 12 this year, there have been more than 160 bicycle-involved crashes on Virginia roadways, resulting in nine fatalities and serious injuries for at least 40 others, according to data from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

Starting this Saturday, July 1, drivers need to slow down and move over, if possible, for stationary vehicles on Virginia’s roadside that are displaying hazard lights, warning signs, or flares.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) warns that deaths from drunk driving-related crashes can surge 39% over the July 4th weekend, which could mean one life lost every 24 minutes, based on the latest data available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

With millions of Americans planning to travel for the long Independence Day weekend, the American Trucking Associations’ Share the Road drivers are encouraging motorists to be safe on the nation’s highways.

According to the latest study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), distracted driving killed at least 3,000 people in 2020. This is undoubtedly a low ball number. The IIHS cautions that distracted driving is almost surely far more likely the cause of [crashes] than can be clearly quantified “due to the difficulties of proving distraction at the scene of a crash.”

A new study revealed that fleet managers face ongoing challenges in keeping pace with regulatory updates and enhancing driver expertise. "The State of Fleet Management: Insights on Priorities for Today's Fleet Managers," commissioned by the J. J. Keller Center for Market Insights, the research division of J. J. Keller & Associates, draws on a survey conducted in February 2023.

Memorial Day to Labor Day is designated as the "100 Deadliest Days" of the summer according to AAA Tidewater. New teen drivers on the road are often involved in these deadly summer crashes. AAA has tips for keeping teens safe during these dangerous months and year-round.

You'll soon be able to chat with your car thanks to generative AI, but experts warn that the technology could also lead to distracted driving. Mercedes-Benz has announced plans to add ChatGPT to its cars. The software would make voice commands more fluid and could also engage in conversations. However, some say the concept could lead to problems.

A long-anticipated advance notice of proposed rulemaking aimed at removing unsafe motor carriers is expected to be published this summer. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Spring 2023 Unified Regulatory Agenda, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration projects to publish in June a notice asking for public comment about the agency’s safety fitness procedures.

More than 9,300 people died in traffic crashes during the first three months of 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s early estimate of motor vehicle traffic fatalities. Released Wednesday, the estimate is 3.3% less compared with a year earlier and represents a fourth straight quarterly decline following almost two years of increases that began during the COVID pandemic.

GHSA's annual Spotlight report, Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2022 Preliminary Data, offers a comprehensive look at state and national trends in pedestrian deaths in 2022. The report projects that drivers struck and killed at least 7,508 people walking in 2022 – the highest number since 1981 and an average of 20 deaths every day.

When it comes to road safety, the focus is often on the behavior of drivers behind the wheel. However, fleet operators understand that preventive maintenance is crucial in ensuring safe operations.

A semi truck crashed on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and went over the side and into the water on Thursday, officials said. The crash happened around 2 p.m. in the northbound lanes between Virginia Beach and the southernmost island, bridge spokesman Thomas Anderson told news outlets.

The government will require heavy trucks and buses to include automatic emergency braking equipment within five years, the federal traffic safety agency said Thursday, estimating it will prevent nearly 20,000 crashes and save at least 155 lives a year. The announcement by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration follows a similar move last month for all new passenger cars and light trucks.

Global information technology firm NEC Corporation of America and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute recently unveiled a new private 5G- and artificial intelligence or AI-based roadway warning system that can identify dangerous traffic conditions and hazards, such as the approach of pedestrians or animals, and provide warnings to motorists.

Motor vehicle crashes are the most common cause of death among teens. To counter this, Honda created a new app that will help make better drivers.

Although initial data suggests that marijuana legalization has “negatively impacted highway safety,” it’s still “too soon to calculate” an overall relationship between the two, according to a new report.

Nine professional Virginia truck drivers were crowned “Champions of the Highway” at the 70th Virginia Truck Driving Championships held June 2 and 3 at Richard Bland College in Petersburg, Virginia.

Use of temporary, portable rumble strips is more effective than warning signs at reducing distracted driving in work zones, according to a recent National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report report.

Distracted driving is of most concern in summer, when it typically reaches its peak as more younger drivers take to the road, and more people in general take the opportunity to travel, explore, or visit family.

While enforcing road safety is a year-round effort, law enforcement officers across North America will be out in full force next month emphasizing the importance of safe driving practices during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Operation Safe Driver Week from July 9 to 15.

Virginia State Police is sending out a warning after 18 interstate shootings left six people hurt since the beginning of the year.

The city launched the ‘Change Lanes to Pass’ campaign for the 4th year in a row to create safer road conditions for both cyclists and drivers.

Traffic violence is a preventable public health crisis, experts said during a road safety webinar. Federal funding will help, but cities also must cultivate a “culture of safety,” one mayor said.

Road rage and aggression often lead to deadly consequences on our roads and highways.

Nationwide, white males between the ages of 21 and 25 are the demographic most likely to get into a deadly car crash with 3,036 collisions in 2021, according to a new study from Neufeld Law firm.

Lacking adequate resources, states are often unable to provide complete criminal histories to the FBI’s databases, which are critical resources for reducing impaired driving by repeat offenders, according to a new GAO report.

Distracted driving is on the rise, and it is killing people and costing society billions of dollars.

Researchers at the University of Alabama Birmingham recently unveiled a new smartphone-based application called “StreetBit” that uses Bluetooth beacon technology to prevent pedestrians from becoming distracted while navigating road crossings.

New data indicates that safety technology including dash cams are helping both automotive and truck fleets to reduce risky driver behaviors and crashes.

NHTSA estimates that pedestrian traffic deaths climbed to 7,400 in 2021. The government agency’s new proposed rule addresses this crisis.

The report provides a foundational model for purposeful, proactive engagement to help reach more community stakeholders and builds trust in the community

The state is seeing an 80% increase in bicyclist-related deaths, according to the DMV, which has reported 160 bicyclist-involved crashes so far this year.

Heading into the summer months, the 100 deadliest days for teens is now underway.

The lack of seat belt use among truck drivers is grabbing the attention of federal regulators concerned about the latest fatality data.

The Christopher King Foundation will hold its third annual “Cars for Chris” car show on Saturday, June 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Williamsburg-Jamestown Airport.

Car seats and boosters provide protection for infants and children in a crash, yet car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13.

A Roanoke Circuit Court judge has granted a $1.5 million settlement to the estate of a cyclist who was killed by a distracted driver last year in Botetourt County.