News

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.

As traffic deaths surge, contractors are calling on states to do more.

Memorial Day, the unofficial beginning of the summer season, also marks the start of a dangerous time on the roads for teenagers and young people.

As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, the Virginia State Police (VSP) are urging all drivers to take necessary precautions and plan ahead for their holiday travels.

Of all the bad driving habits, speeding is likely the worst. Some 25% of all fatal crashes are linked to speeding.

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials recently hosted a knowledge session, sponsored by HDR, at its 2023 Spring Meeting in Seattle that detailed the vital role state departments of transportation can play in achieving zero roadway fatalities across the United States.

A stroll through international statistics about walking reveals the grim reality of foot travel in the United States.

Even as far back as 2005, the Virginia Department of Transportation pointed out issues of driving on I-81 in our region

In recognition of National Bicycle Safety Month, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is reminding Virginians to look out for each other on the road.

Memorial Day kicks off summer fun, but it also starts the 100 deadliest days of the year for teenage drivers in the District, Virginia and other states, AAA Mid-Atlantic said.

First responders and roadway workers have been working to prevent roadway close calls and struck-by incidents for years. The phenomenon is not new, but it seems to be getting worse by the day.

As teenagers get older and reach the legal driving age, it becomes crucial for parents to have open and effective conversations about safe practices on the roads.

Law enforcement officers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will be on the lookout for commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers engaging in unsafe driving behaviors during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Operation Safe Driver Week, July 9 to 15.

The proposal could save at least 360 lives a year and reduce injuries by at least 24,000 people annually, NHTSA said in a news release.

The 2023 Memorial Day weekend proved deadly for nine drivers and passengers, including four motorcyclists, VSP said.

Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are among the safety technologies increasingly installed in vehicle across the model lineups.

Fleet drivers may underestimate how drowsy they are on the job, especially when behind the wheel at night.

Automotive manufacturers are increasingly developing vehicles with integrated infotainment systems, which can be a major form of distraction for drivers.

Some 47% of consumers classify themselves as a “multitasking driver” because they typically do something else simultaneously while behind the wheel, according to a recent survey from Netradyne.

The scheme put forward by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration comes as pedestrian deaths are surging nationwide.

DMV and AAA Mid-Atlantic joins Virginia’s first responders, local law enforcement and Virginia State Police to focus on saving lives through increased seat belt use by participating in the national Click It or Ticket campaign through June 4, 2023.

In spite of widespread awareness campaigns, incentivized insurance policies, and technological solutions, the incidence of auto accidents and fatalities from distracted driving continues to spiral.

A national survey commissioned by Erie Insurance shows that passengers can dramatically help reduce texting while driving by asking the driver to stop.

In Central Virginia, multiple pedestrian fatalities – including the death of a Virginia Commonwealth University student killed after a vehicle drove onto a sidewalk where he was walking a few weeks ago – have renewed efforts to reduce traffic crashes.

In an era where we rely heavily on our smartphones for almost everything, it comes as no surprise that these devices can also assist us in creating safer driving habits.

More than 1,000 people died in traffic crashes in Virginia in 2022.

The Memorial Day weekend kicks off what is often referred to by traffic safety experts as "the 100 deadliest days." The period from Memorial Day through Labor Day usually sees a dangerous spike in teen traffic fatalities...

The National Safety Council is urging all drivers to be extra cautious this Memorial Day weekend, estimating that 469 people may die on our roads over the holiday period.

This May, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminds all motorists that Motorcyclist Safety Is Everyone’s Safety.

Hampton Roads led all metropolitan areas in Virginia for vehicle crashes in 2022, outstripping Richmond and Northern Virginia during a period of increasing fatal crashes statewide.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is kicking off its annual Click It or Ticket campaign to encourage drivers and passengers to buckle up, reminding everyone that seat belts save lives.

Semi-automated cars are becoming increasingly common, but real dangers exist when technology fails and drivers don’t intervene.

Rain is a common occurrence in most places across the country and around the world, but that doesn’t mean that driving in the rain isn’t without risk.

AAA projects 42.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend*, a 7% increase over 2022. This year, 2.7 million more people will travel for the unofficial start of summer compared to last year, a sign of what’s to come in the months ahead.

A stroll through international statistics about walking reveals the grim reality of foot travel in the United States.

As the Memorial Day holiday approaches, the Arlington County Police Department is again partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind motorists about the importance of seat belt use.

While drivers may make the dangerous decision to text behind the wheel, passengers have the power to help end this behavior.

Chesterfield first responders set up this crash demonstration to stress the dangers of drinking and driving to students.

The nicest time of year is also the most dangerous for motorcyclists. Warmer weather means more riders and more crashes, too.

Road traffic has seen an increase post-pandemic due to a return to office life and social obligations, which has resulted in a rise in distracted driving, collisions and fatalities.

Students at Indian River High School used a virtual reality simulator to experience road scenarios and how distractions present dangers to drivers.

When it's time to teach your teenager to drive, parents should begin by taking the time to see that their teen is knowledgeable about and comfortable with the vehicle and its controls.

Distracted driving has become a growing car safety issue, with fatalities rising because of risky behaviors like using smartphones while behind the wheel.

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) remind all motorists that Motorcycle Safety is Everyone’s Safety.

Airman Makai Cummings appeared to be changing his tire on the side of I-295 near the Meadowbridge exit when another vehicle hit and killed him.

NHTSA is urging communities to create safe spaces for bicyclists, and for drivers to be on the lookout for people bicycling nearby.

Over the last five years, more than half of fatal crashes in urban areas occurred on roads managed by states, leaving local leaders with little authority to make safety changes.

Although reasons for the disparities are not clear, speakers at a traffic safety symposium say a safe systems approach with community engagement could help.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) this week is running its first-ever Our Roads, Our Safety Week, a safety-observance event dedicated to educating all road users on sharing the road safely with large trucks and buses.

Virginia Beach teenagers are getting a life lesson on the dangers of distracted driving.

The Department of Motor Vehicles says between 2018 and 2022 there were 30 fatal traffic crashes involving a motorcycle between Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah and Page counties.

“It's the final day of #DistractedDrivingAwarenessMonth!” the Governors Highway Safety Association posted on its website and Twitter earlier today.

A Family Safety Day was held in Onley with displays and demonstrations showing safety at home, on the road, and on the water.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released new estimates for U.S. roadway fatalities during the 2022 calendar year.

Older drivers using alcohol or drugs are much more likely to be at fault in a car crash.

Drug and alcohol abuse can leave workers and commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers impaired. As more states have decriminalized cannabis, its growing acceptance has become a special challenge for those employing workers in safety-sensitive positions.

Every month, two emergency responders, tow workers or road maintenance workers are struck and killed at the side of the road by a driver who fails to obey the law by moving over to an adjacent lane.

Even the most seasoned commercial drivers can benefit from helpful reminders about road safety. One area that merits continued focus concerns ways to handle tricky traffic situations.

The mother of the bride had just unwound with a change of clothes and a glass of wine on her short-term rental's balcony when the sound of sirens gave the first impression that her daughter's wedding night had gone awry.

Fairfax County Police released video of a crash that injured a police officer and a driver during a traffic stop on Monday.

Fairfax County Police Department chief Kevin Davis told 7News Wednesday that officers believe a 17 year old driver was going 129 mph Monday before losing control and crashing into where an officer was doing a traffic stop.

The states with the highest rates of distracted driving per mile aren’t always the states that report the most distraction-related crashes, or the ones with the most lax distraction laws, a new report finds

Now that traffic volume is returning to pre-pandemic levels, texting, scrolling on social media, or answering emails while driving are becoming widespread — with dangerous consequences.

Dogs may be man’s best friend, but they might not be his safest driving companion.

May is National Youth Traffic Safety Month and the National Road Safety Foundation reminds parents that they play a crucial role in encouraging their teens to drive safely.

Like most people, Roger Bligh appreciates the natural beauty of trees. But Bligh, an award-winning roadside safety research engineer, also sees trees as safety hazards.

Today, David Reich, Dir. of PR for National Road Safety Foundation, sat down with us to share his insight on the topic.

Driving after having less than five hours of sleep may be as dangerous as under the influence of alcohol, a study suggests.

Drivers of utility vans, tow trucks, and other light and medium-weight trucks could use safety training, according to a team from the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center.

Do you have an effective vehicle fleet safety management program?

A new report shows a big spike in cellphone-related distracted driving since 2019.

May 4, 2021, was supposed to be a normal Tuesday. Instead, I call it my “Alive Day.”

Flooding can happen anywhere in the country, and it’s a year-round hazard that happens in all 50 states.

If you drive, you will probably see many unsafe driver behaviors. The longer you drive, the more of them you’ll see.

The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced over 30 new commitments from organizations that are supporting the Department’s National Roadway Safety Strategy and taking action to reverse the crisis that is killing more than 40,000 people on American roads each year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released its latest projections for traffic fatalities in 2022, estimating that 42,795 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes.

Making roads safer often involves doing a lot of little things. There’s no single reason crashes occur and no single way to protect people from death and injury.

Recent advances in roadway mobility have changed the way we travel, whether we’re heading to work, running daily errands or visiting loved ones.

Data shows that laws to prevent distracted driving have a near-immediate impact, but that the effect wears off quickly.

The NDDC was created by the NTSB to research and take action to reduce distracted driving, a growing problem brought to the public's attention during April, designated as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is working with the trucking industry and other stakeholders as it revisits a proposal to mandate installation of side underride guards on heavy truck trailers.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and statistics show that distracted driving has become an increasingly common and fatal hazard.

For the past few previous decades, on average approximately 350 people were killed each year nationwide in wrong-way freeway crashes, according to one analysis based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Fatal Accident Reporting System.

When you think of driving dangers, you probably think about risky behaviors like speeding and distraction, or hazardous situations like foul weather.

When you tailgate, you reduce the time and space available to you in the event of an emergency or unexpected event.

While automakers have been working to improve the reliability and performance of automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems, issues with these systems can still occur.

In 1997, a few staff members of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Bristol district decided to spend a week in April raising awareness about work zone safety before construction season kicked into high gear.

As the summer construction season begins and those orange barrels and flashing arrows pop up along the highways, safety experts are putting out the annual reminder to motorists to slow down and stay alert in work zones.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and truck drivers face a sobering statistic: they are 23 times more likely to cause a [crash] when texting at the wheel, despite the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration prohibiting cell phone use when driving.

Federal, state and local lawmakers are increasingly concerned about roadway deaths and injuries, especially fatalities among pedestrians and cyclists, which increased by 13% and 1.9% from 2020 to 2021, according to the report.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will hold a vigil on Wednesday, April 19 in honor of all Virginia transportation workers who have been killed on Virginia roadways.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released its latest projections for traffic fatalities in 2022, estimating that 42,795 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) said it was committed to improving safety for road construction workers as part of this year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 17-21).

Ad Council, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and SXM Media today announced the launch of an audio PSA to raise awareness of the dangers of driving while high.

Distracted driving is one of the fastest-growing safety issues on roads across Virginia.

The 2023 theme is “Work with Us,” a reminder that highway workers and motorists all play a key role in work zone safety.

People living in the United States are constantly on the move while simultaneously staying connected to the digital world via smartphones.

As more drivers took to the road following the outbreak of COVID-19, the nation chalked up a significant increase in the number of crashes to distracted driving in 2021.

In the first three months of 2023, Richmond has seen nine people walking killed and more than 160 others injured, according to the city's VisionZero dashboard.

On Tuesday, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that driver fatigue led to a deadly multivehicle crash in Phoenix in June 2021 that killed four and injured 11 after a tractor-trailer carrying milk rammed into stopped traffic of passenger vehicles.

Seeing aggressive driving, sometimes called road rage, has become familiar while on the road, especially if you have a long commute or get stuck in traffic.

American roads are deadlier than they were before the pandemic and many are looking at changes in police traffic enforcement as a cause.

We all see it every day. Drivers taking their eyes off the road. In fact, new research from Nationwide shows dangerous driving behavior has not improved since last year. In fact, it has reached alarming highs.

The Virginia Senate and House of Delegates has overwhelmingly passed SB982/HB1932 and Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed into law an important expansion of the state’s Move Over law that will help save lives.

Traffic safety campaigns promoted by DRIVE SMART Virginia have had a quantifiable impact on roadway users since the nonprofit’s founding in 1995, resulting in fewer fatalities.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is holding its annual “U Drive, U Text, U Pay” distracted driving prevention campaign April 3 through 10.

What if you could be fined or lose your license for driving tired?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is kicking off its annual U Drive. U Text. U Pay. campaign, raising awareness of the dangers of driving while distracted.

Texting and driving can be deadly. Holding your phone in your hand to talk and surfing the internet while behind the wheel is dangerous, too.

A new study compiled by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicated that a “multifaceted approach” that leverages enforcement efforts alongside public outreach efforts could buttress efforts to end distracted driving.

One of the first ways teens practice responsibility and independence is by earning their driver’s license and getting behind the wheel.

Don’t read this, or anything besides road signs, while driving! April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

SUVs cause more severe injuries than cars when they hit bicyclists likely because the vehicles’ tall front ends strike the bicyclists higher on their bodies, a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows.

In the digital age, an increased desire for constant online connection has created safety hazards for drivers on the road.

National Work Zone Awareness Week will kick off with an April 18 event hosted by the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Consumers fear drivers are faster, more aggressive, and more reckless compared to 2022. They are right. New research from Nationwide (PDF) shows dangerous driving behavior has not improved since last year. In fact, it has reached alarming highs.

On a daily basis, teens are surrounded by distractions, many of which stem from their cellphones – including social media, texts and emails. Behind the wheel, those distractions can be hazardous for anyone, but especially for young people just learning to drive.

The deaths come as federal officials and the highway construction industry mount a push to protect workers during a boom in projects funded by the infrastructure law.

Adding EVs makes fleets more sustainable by reducing emissions and saving on fuel and maintenance costs. But there’s more to it than simply swapping EVs for traditional vehicles.

As the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) prepares to spend hundreds of billions on the nation’s roads in the coming years, we’re urging officials to put the safety of older drivers and pedestrians at the forefront.

President Joe Biden’s big infrastructure bill could radically diminish one of America’s most common forms of death. But there are costs.

The National Road Safety Foundation says education and intervention can help limit distracted driving.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made a noticeable impact on traffic volume during the past few years.

Washington D.C. has struggled to bring down road fatalities because its Vision Zero program is hampered by limited infrastructure improvements, low funding and inconsistent oversight, part one of a new report reveals.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s annual campaign encourages drivers to put down their phones, pay attention and take responsibility for the daily choices they make on the road.

Distracted driving kills an average of nearly nine people every day in the United States in completely preventable crashes; NSC urges all to #JustDrive

The Virginia Senate and House of Delegates has overwhelmingly passed SB982/HB1932 and Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed into law an important expansion of the state’s Move Over law that will help save lives.

Industry groups say they’ve been unsuccessfully pushing for worker safety provisions for years.

We’re used to switching lanes when we see law enforcement or emergency vehicles on the side of the highway, but a new law expands that rule.

VTTI received a $1.2 million grant from the National Institute of Justice to study how changing police lights affects drivers’ reactions.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month – the perfect time to review some safe driving tips from the National Safety Council.

If you’re a frequent driver, you’ve probably seen someone at a red light or on the freeway with headphones on. The experience probably stuck out to you because that seems like a dangerous thing to do. It can’t possibly be legal, right?

The annual National Work Zone Awareness Week campaign is held every spring to coincide with the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones.

Currently, almost every state in the U.S. has the same legal blood alcohol limit of .08 for drivers. The one exception is Utah, which has a lower limit of .05. But it may not stay that way for long.

More signs preventing right turns at red lights are going up around Arlington County to reduce crashes.

Farmers are busy planting their crops, and that means motorists will likely encounter slow-moving farm equipment on roadways.

Existing and emerging technologies have great potential to reduce distracted driving, which contributes to thousands of deaths each year in the United States, according to a new National Distracted Driving Coalition (NDDC) report.

Researchers at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently voiced concern about the safety implications linked to the weight of new electric vehicles (EVs).

Trends in increased home deliveries and initiatives like the American Jobs Plan could result in more active work zones on the roads, at airports, and on rails than in the recent past.

For Tammy Guido and David Messick, the first annual Keeper’s Cup Memorial Soccer Tournament means much more than trophies, medals and titles. This event is what keeps the legacies of their sons alive.

The Fairfax County Police Department and Virginia State Police troopers will utilize "high-visibility enforcement operations" targeting areas with high crash rates.

From implementing stricter speed limits to providing better road infrastructure, there are many steps that can be taken to help improve road safety.

It's a fear for many families with students that can drive: their child not making it home safely, due to drunk or distracted driving.

Roadway deaths in the United States continued to hover just above 46,000 in 2022, according to recently released preliminary fatality estimates from the National Safety Council (NSC).

The official number of deaths each year linked to drowsy driving is in the hundreds, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration records show, but they may be underreported.

Highway fatalities are on the rise again — 46,000 in the U.S. in 2022, up 22%, according to numbers released last week. How many of those deaths involved distracted driving?

More than one-third of St. Patrick's Day crash fatalities involved drunk drivers.

Two sisters were killed in a car crash in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, on Saturday.
Dawn Donnelly, 16, and Alexyss Scott, 18, were both students at Riverbend High School.

US roadways are carrying heavier, more powerful vehicles operated by motorists who are older, driving faster and more often distracted, according to CCC Intelligent Solutions’ annual Crash Course report.

While the thumbs-up emoji was recently placed on the chopping block by younger members of the workforce for its “rude” and “hostile” undertones, Gen Z and young millennials are going all in on its polar opposite.

With St. Patrick’s Day and the start of the NCAA basketball tournament aligning this week, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) said they are urging individuals to plan ahead and celebrate responsibly.

AARP launched a free smartphone app that empowers drivers to stay safe behind the wheel by analyzing five key driving behaviors linked to increasing safety and preventing crashes.

The National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF) and The National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) are looking for school resource officers (SROs) who are using innovative methods to teach students about safe driving behavior.

During our lives, there are things that we become passionate about and, as a result, we dedicate a great deal of time and effort in order to become better, more efficient, and skilled at particular tasks.

Can adolescents and young adults with neurodevelopmental differences learn to drive safely? Yes, and the number of adolescents and young adults driving with neurodevelopmental differences is growing.

According to Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety (YOVASO), more teen drivers in Virginia will be involved in traffic crashes between the months of May and August than at any other time of the year, statistics show.

In the last few years, the roads have become less safe primarily due to the rise in aggressive driving and distractions behind the wheel, said Tony Douglas, president and CEO of Smith System, a provider of crash-avoidance driver safety training.

For nearly five decades, drivers in much of the United States have taken for granted a privilege unknown in much of the rest of the world: Arrive at a red light, stop, and if the intersection is clear, turn right even if the signal isn't green.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nine people in the U.S. are killed every day in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver. That’s roughly 3,000 people every year.

Blindspots the size of a pre-school classroom. Hulking curb weights. Tall, aggressive hoods that can easily strike a fully grown adult at the level of the neck.

The driver walked away with $125 fine after an 86-year-old grandfather died in a crash.

The National Safety Council is urging all drivers to do a quick online check to see if their vehicle has any open safety recalls.

For a second consecutive year, preliminary estimates from the National Safety Council indicate the United States is in a dark place. Once again – in a single year's time – more than 46,000 people lost their lives in a preventable traffic crash

We live in a time of extremes that impact nearly every aspect of our lives. Even driving has become a hotly debated topic.

Although Irish in its roots, St. Patrick’s Day is known to be widely celebrated in the United States.

Daylight savings time, which begins this weekend, brings an increased risk of drowsy driving, recognized by traffic safety experts as a significant factor in crashes nationwide.

With St. Patrick’s day festivities just around the corner and the color green about to take over the streets of Downtown Roanoke, State Police reminds the community to stay safe on the roadways.

Some of the world’s most sophisticated vehicle makers and technologists are investing heavily in autonomous trucking and here is why.

Using a self-driving truck to follow a manned vehicle during “moving work zone” operations could help prevent roadway worker injuries, results of a recent study show.

AAA says on average, two emergency responders are killed after being struck each month by a driver on a roadway who is not obeying the law.

The number of people killed on U.S. streets in early 2022 was 5% higher than the same period a year earlier, showing a dramatic increase over the last decade.

Harrisonburg Public Works (HPW) is working on improving road safety and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure around the community through roadway reconfiguration projects, according to a press release.

Although alcohol is a factor in nearly 1 out of 3 traffic deaths, federal and state agencies need to also address driver impairment from cannabis and prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Due to tougher criteria from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), currently just 48 vehicle models qualify for 2023 Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards, compared to 101 vehicles this time last year.

Springtime means the beginning of road trip season! Traveling by vehicle can be a fun way to experience several different places on your way to your ultimate destination, but it comes with its own costs, complications, and risks too.

Driving is an essential skill, but it’s easy to take the safety of being on the road for granted. However, visibility – both yourself and your vehicle – plays a major role in ensuring that you drive safely.

Drivers in the United States struck and killed 3,434 people in the first half of 2022 – up 5%, or 168 more deaths, from the same period the year before, according to a new analysis from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).

Key Federal Highway Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and Federal Transit Administration officials shared their perspectives on ways to improve transportation safety during a panel discussion at the 2023 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Washington Briefing

All I remember are the headlights coming toward me and having no time to react.

The state of Virginia could soon enact a move over rule revision.

For 34 years, Drive Safe Hampton Roads has joined forces with community partners to collect old, used and potentially unsafe child safety seats during the Child Safety Seat Round-Up program.

Fairfax County police are putting new measures in place to cut back on distracted driving and avoid crashes involving pedestrians.

Using a seat belt properly can reduce the risk of a fatal injury from a car accident by as much as 60%, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Two field studies conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety examined the effectiveness of certain “countermeasures” that aim to reduce highway work zone crashes – especially vehicle-mounted electronic variable message signs or VMSs.

There is little in this world that can prepare a parent for the loss of their own child. Tammy Duffy knows that pain all too well.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), teens are notorious risk-takers and may not consider the consequences of taking risks.

Drivers traveling through Virginia Commonwealth University’s campuses in Richmond may have noticed a recent increase in traffic and parking violations issued by VCU Police.

Experts say we need an array of tools — education, training, legislation, and technology — to combat the nation’s distracted driving crisis and this hold true for fleets as well as consumers.

Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road today. But what exactly is distracted driving and how does it impact your risks behind the wheel?

Dangerous driving is becoming more common in Richmond, sometimes ending in tragedy. That’s why the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Police Department wants to crack down on these types of behaviors.

The most recent figures show a slight drop in deadly crashes on U.S. roads during the first nine months of 2022. But the picture really isn’t even close to rosy.

Imagine you’re driving down the road and suddenly smell smoke or see flames shoot from under the hood or dash. What should you do?

Richmond reports 44 people died while traveling on Richmond’s streets from 2019 to 2021, and now, the City has been awarded a grant of $762,400 to fund road safety improvements throughout Richmond.

While winter weather leads many to prepare for driving in the snow and slush (and such preparation is important), government analysis of weather-related crashes and injuries points out that it’s driving on wet roads – not snowy or icy pavement – that leads to the highest percentage of crashes and injuries.

The immense weight of the electric Hummer prompted a crash test expert to stage a bizarre experiment—and wonder if EVs will make roads more dangerous.

Many solutions to slow down traffic elongate travel times. However, several compromise solutions exist that allow travelers to reach their destination quickly and improve road safety.

Transportation planners looking to address road safety issues and traffic fatalities could move beyond traditional methods of determining unsafe areas and rely more on technology, including the data collected by connected vehicles, according to one expert.

Police in Fairfax County, Virginia, are ramping up traffic enforcement during distracted-driving month, partnering with schools to educate the most distracted drivers — teenagers.

Missy Cummings, who spent more than a year at the federal auto safety agency, said that drivers were putting too much trust in systems like Tesla’s Autopilot and that regulators needed to restrict their use.

An autonomous truck is a semi-truck that can deliver goods across the country without needing a driver. Like autonomous cars, these trucks are currently in development at several self-driving-technology companies – and they’re on the horizon with some truly amazing capabilities.

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

To help keep drivers in the know about ever-evolving vehicle safety technologies and how to use them, the National Safety Council has added resources to its MyCarDoesWhat.org website.

The Department of Transportation over the past year has undertaken a variety of actions related to guidance and rulemakings that officials say will lay the groundwork for reducing the number of fatal crashes on U.S. roadways.

The Transportation Department has enlisted dozens of organizations that have committed to taking action to make the roads less dangerous.

Nearly 50 businesses and nonprofits — including rideshare companies Uber and Lyft, industrial giant 3M and automaker Honda — are pledging millions of dollars in initiatives to stem a crisis in road fatalities under a new federal effort announced Friday.

A pedestrian has been struck by a vehicle at Virginia Commonwealth University for the second time in a week. Police responded to the scene at the intersection of West Grace and Harrison streets just before 9:15 p.m. Thursday.

The Traffic Injury Research Foundation USA, Inc. (TIRF USA), in partnership with TIRF in Canada and with sponsorship from the Anheuser-Busch Foundation, released the eighth annual Road Safety Monitor (RSM) on alcohol-impaired driving.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is proud to announce our new, National President, Tess Rowland, effective Feb. 6, 2023.

Henrico is one of 18 communities in Virginia to earn a share of the $7 million allocated through the competitive grant program to the state. In total, the program (for which localities had to apply and be selected) allocated $800 million to communities nationwide.

In his January 20, 2023 speech to the annual U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, DC, Secretary Pete (formerly Mayor Pete) brought a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing today’s municipal leaders.

At DoorDash, safety is always a top priority. The overwhelming majority of deliveries on our platform – more than 99.99% – are completed without any safety-related incident at all and the rate of motor vehicle fatalities involving Dashers is significantly less than the national average.

As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, the Virginia State Police are partnering with the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) to remind all Virginians to choose a designated driver if they plan to drink on the big day.

Police are using enforcement, outreach and education to raise awareness and encourage safe travel on VCU’s campuses.

This January, the insurer is reminding parents that setting a good example can make a difference.

The Transportation Research Board is hosting a webinar on February 9 that examines practices and trends state departments of transportation are deploying to improve highway worker safety.

A 22-year-old Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) student was killed crossing a street on the school's main campus Friday morning, according to university officials.

Whether it's your first year driving in snow or your 20th, there are always new tricks to learn.

A family is reminding the public about the dangers of drinking and driving at the two-year anniversary of their daughter Jordan Barksdale’s death at the hands of a drunk driver.

Since the pandemic shutdown, collisions and fatalities have risen to historic levels, driven by spikes in impaired and aggressive driving, as well as electronics distraction.

A new safety research report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that between 71% and 99% of drivers in five populations studied tested positive for one or more potentially impairing drugs.

In 2020 alone, some 11,258 people lost their lives on our nation’s roadways due to speeding, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A new training module from the Emergency Responder Safety Institute focuses on the use of personal protective equipment when responding to roadway incidents.

The Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program aims to improve roads and address traffic fatalities.

Passengers can make a difference in reducing the number of devastating traffic crashes by speaking up when in a vehicle being driven unsafely. That's the theme of National Passenger Safety Week, January 22-29, 2023.

A new report issued by the National Transportation Safety Board calls on federal and state agencies engage in “new actions” to address the continuing problem of impaired driving, including from alcohol, cannabis (seen above), and other drugs, as well as well as multiple drug use.

Rick Birt, President of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) shared important information relating to safe driving on Good Morning Delmarva. SADD has partnered with MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) for National Passenger Safety Week.

Transportation projects often get delayed because of unclear structures and procedures within city agencies. A new report examines how the right mix of structure, people and processes can achieve success.

Cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles are used in all kinds of industries to conduct business. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 1,982 fatal occupational injuries were due to transportation incidents in 2021.

Sunday kicked off National Passenger Safety Week, an initiative started in 2022 by The National Road Safety Foundation alongside “We Save Lives,” an organization that advocates for safe driving.

One of the most important jobs you have as a parent is keeping your child safe when they are riding in a vehicle.

It’s no secret that the number of traffic fatalities nationwide is averaging higher than in previous years. That's confirmed by reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Virginia Department of Transportation.

During Super Bowl LVII, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming up with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office to remind football fans everywhere that Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.

Virginia law mandates that travelers on roadways with at least two lanes in one direction proceed with caution and, if reasonable, yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the stationary vehicle.

Cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles are used in all kinds of industries to conduct business. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 1,982 fatal occupational injuries were due to transportation incidents in 2021.

Children, relatives, colleagues, neighbors, and friends. These are the passengers that can pay the ultimate price when drivers choose to engage in distracted driving and other dangerous behaviors behind the wheel.

Dates for three annual events emphasizing commercial motor vehicle inspections have been scheduled by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.

Pursuits in multiple statehouses call for expanding move-over rules to apply to all highway users.

The population over age 65 in the U.S. increased by 35% between 2011 and 2020. In 2020 17% of all traffic fatalities involved adults 65 years of age and older. The number of fatalities increase in adults over 75 and even more after age 85.

The moment a driver looks away from the road, the countdown to a potential accident begins. After just 1.7 seconds, the risk of crashing skyrockets with every millisecond of inattention.

The National Transportation Safety Board has forwarded a list of recommendations to state and national transportation agencies aimed at preventing alcohol and drug-related crashes.

Traffic safety experts have recently come to recognize the power passengers have when they speak up when in a vehicle being driven unsafely, which is why the theme of this year's Drive2Life PSA Contest is "passengers SPEAK UP."

The report examines the costs of one year of crashes that killed an estimated 36,500 people, injured 4.5 million, and damaged 23 million vehicles.

In 2020, of the 35,766 fatal crashes on the nation’s highways and byways, 4,588 (or 12.8%) involved at least one large truck or bus, according to the 2022 Pocket Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

There’s no question distracted driving is dangerous — the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports it claimed 3,142 lives in 2020 alone.

Texting is one of the most dangerous driving distractions, but here are 7 others.

Beyond just getting us from A to B, 2023’s vehicles want their drivers to be happier, healthier, and safer.

Partial automation is a wonder of today’s newer cars. But the technology has the potential to turn dangerous — and possibly deadly — because of how drivers are misusing it, according to recent research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a preliminary estimate today finding that 31,785 people died in traffic crashes in the first nine months of 2022, 65 fewer deaths than the same period the year before.

The surge of traffic deaths in the first year of the pandemic can't be completely explained by quarantine-emptied roads that made speeding easy — and new data on who, exactly, was involved in those crashes may lead to more questions than answers.

The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute’s Smart Work Zone system capabilities have expanded to meet the safety needs of an Albemarle County work zone deployed at the roundabout intersection of Route 151 and Route 250 in November.

Winter driving means lots of challenges: Roads can be slick and icy, blowing snow can cause poor visibility and frosty weather can do a number on just about any vehicle.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released its latest projections for traffic fatalities in 2022, estimating that 31,785 people died in traffic crashes in the first nine months of the year.

A panel of top Department of Transportation leaders updated a session at this year’s meeting of the Transportation Research Board, outlining some of the activities aimed at reducing the continuing challenges of rising highway fatalities.

The agency’s new report, “The Economic and Societal Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes, 2019,” examines the costs of one year of crashes that killed an estimated 36,500 people, injured 4.5 million, and damaged 23 million vehicles.

Traffic-safety advocates are hoping to get legislation passed allowing localities to set speed limits by zone. The Richmond Police Department has said speed was the number one factor in several fatal crashes in the city.

The head of the National Transportation Safety Board expressed concern Wednesday about the safety risks that heavy electric vehicles pose if they collide with lighter vehicles.

Members of Virginia law enforcement were out in full force over the holidays, working to keep the roadways safe from drunk drivers.

Actions from federal and state agencies are needed to address the continuing problem of impaired driving, including from alcohol, cannabis and multiple drug use the National Transportation Safety Board said in a new report released today.

Following a shocking increase in traffic deaths in the Staunton area, officials say car drivers need to learn how to share the road with big trucks.

According to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s office, in the commonwealth, 445 Virginians were injured, and 13 others lost their lives because of alcohol-related crashes between thanksgiving 2021 and new year’s day 2022.

Regardless of state marijuana laws, include in the policy that operating a company vehicle under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, any controlled substance, or any substance that impairs your ability is considered a violation to the fleet policy and to the organization’s code of conduct. Violations against the policy should be categorized as a severe offense and may include termination.

For years, the nation's roadways have become increasingly dangerous. Efforts from safety groups, technology companies, and the government are attempting to reverse this trend for 2023.

Large truck fatal crashes decreased in 2020. However, when you consider the major decline in traffic because of the pandemic, the 4,444 deadly crashes maintain a dangerous trend.

In May 2022, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released a report showing pedestrian fatalities have risen 59 percent since 2009, with more than 6,500 people struck and killed by vehicles in 2020 alone.

Research shows that car, pickup truck, and SUV drivers, including teens, initiate more than 75 percent of incidents involving heavy trucks. "Good Morning America" visited the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) to provide its viewers with a first-person perspective of what it is like to drive a truck on the road and tips on how to safely drive around them during the busy holiday travel season.

Whether activating technologies by voice, by touching a touchscreen or phone, or interfacing with the infotainment system, there’s little difference in distraction, Atchley of University of Florida says.

Drivers in Fairfax County struck and killed at least 29 pedestrians in 2022, the most pedestrian deaths in the county since at least 2010.

Whether it’s snow, sleet or ice, winter weather can cause extremely dangerous road conditions. In 2020, there were 374 fatal crashes, and an estimated 25,000 injury crashes that occurred in wintry conditions.

The most recent annual tally of carnage on our roads is sobering: an estimated 43,000 people killed in 2021. That’s more than the year before, which was more than the year before that.

With extra drivers on the road during the holidays, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles urges drivers to use caution.

Winter weather is approaching the East Coast on one of the year’s busiest travel weekends. The holidays are finally here, and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) wants to ensure you arrive safely at your destination.

A new study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration highlights the “pervasiveness” of alcohol and drug use in serious and fatal crashes involving drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Law enforcement is cracking down on drunk driving this holiday season and is planning to host hundreds of patrols in an effort to get intoxicated drivers off Virginia's roadways.

These eight New Year's driving resolutions 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.

On New Year’s Eve 2021, there were 43 crashes in Hampton Roads, with 6 of those involving alcohol, according to the DMV.

About 155,000 vehicle crashes occur annually in the U.S. due to icy roads and over 70% of U.S. roads are in snowy regions, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Since it began operating in June 2018, Richmond’s Pulse has driven its way to becoming one of the most successful bus rapid transit services in the country.

A 72-page “Pocket Guide to Transportation 2023” from the federal government is available online and in print with key statistical data and highlights of major national transportation data trends.

The NSC says its estimates are reflected in the probability that the actual number of deaths will fall within a specific range. Their confidence interval is in the 90th percentile, and is between 333 and 490 fatalities.

Nadia Tawfik was 17 years old when she got her first car. Two months later, Tawfik was following behind her mother’s car when her mother continued driving straight and she made a fast decision to go a different way and make a left-hand turn.

AAA Tidewater Virginia is reminding motorists to use safe driving practices, which includes keeping an emergency winter driving kit in your vehicle.

Police have released the names of the two men and one woman killed following a crash that involved a party bus carrying more than 20 people and a tractor trailer on Interstate 64 in Virginia early Friday morning.

The city of Richmond is launching a drive-safe campaign encouraging drivers to remain aware on the roads ahead of the Holiday season.

Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety (YOVASO), the Virginia State Police (VSP), the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and State Farm partnered to announce the winners and congratulate all the contestants.

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials recently joined nine other transportation organizations in support of a joint statement issued December 14 “reaffirming” their belief that deployment of vehicle-to-everything or V2X technologies will save lives and that removing “regulatory uncertainty” will help achieve that goal.

Although convenient for transporting groups, 15-passenger vans can pose a safety risk to inexperienced drivers, their passengers and other road users.

The thought of your baby behind the wheel of a potentially dangerous piece of machinery disguised as an everyday automobile is enough to throw any parent into a panic.

Virginia's Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is increasing their messaging over the holidays. It's a two-part campaign: First is an increased effort by police to apprehend drunk drivers. Second is to prevent it from happening at all.

An estimated 350 people may lose their lives in traffic crashes over the Christmas holiday and another 400 may die in collisions over the New Year’s holiday, according to the National Safety Council’s latest projections.

As 2022 comes to an end, Virginia has seen a rise in traffic deaths. Many of these tragedies included pedestrians and those not wearing a seatbelt, VSP also said.

The holidays are right around the corner and if you are driving in Virginia, you might run into a couple of weather-related roadblocks.

The holiday season is a time of great joy, anticipation and celebration. But it is also a time of great sadness due to drunk driving.

Driving in the winter can be dangerous. Storms, bad weather and messy road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

A new report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds that unsafe driving behavior – including speeding, red-light running, drowsy driving, and driving impaired on either cannabis or alcohol – increased significantly from 2020 to 2021.

The results from a AAA report show a double-digit slide in the wrong direction.

Making “resilience analysis” a cornerstone of the infrastructure decision-making process is becoming a key focal point for state departments of transportation and federal transportation agencies alike.

A new AAA study indicates a “troubling” increase in unsafe driving behaviors from 2020 to 2021.

Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates) is proud to release this year’s Roadmap to Safety — the 20th edition of our annual report assessing the state of safety on our nation’s roads.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released its first crash ratings for a rear-seated dummy in its moderate frontal overlap crash test, a scenario the nonprofit has been running for some time.

Holiday parties and end of the year celebrations are in full swing, and with that fun Mothers Against Drunk Driving wants people to plan ahead.

The SoberRide program will return over 17 days for the holiday season to help prevent impaired driving on local roads.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is kicking off its annual holiday season impaired-driving campaign, raising awareness of the dangers of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

As holiday season celebrations kick into high gear, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is joining forces with federal, state and private-sector partners to encourage people who consume alcohol or other impairing substances to make the safer choice and leave the driving to someone who is sober.

A large study by U.S. highway safety regulators found that more than half the people injured or killed in traffic crashes had one or more drugs, or alcohol, in their bloodstreams.

Rushing around to get ready for the holidays? You’re not alone. The increase of traffic and risky driving behaviors is why the holiday season is a dangerous time to be on the roads.

Distracted driving can affect the driver, the reputation of the company and others on the road.

The Christmas and New Year's holidays are times for families to gather together, enjoying each other's company and celebrating all that is good.

State police are urging Virginians to buckle up this holiday season, citing multiple fatal crashes that happened over the Thanksgiving weekend, where a driver or passenger was not wearing a seat belt.

This holiday season, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is partnering with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office to share the message about the dangers of drunk driving.

In the three-plus decades since the Virginia Inland Port opened in rural Warren County, economic development has followed. A study underway right now will look at whether it makes sense to open a second inland port near Lynchburg or Bristol.

Reaching for an object and reading were the top two secondary tasks truck drivers performed which increased the risk of being in an unsafe event or crash, according to a VTTI study.

The Virginia State Crime Commission is meeting Monday to discuss proposed policy changes to DUI laws in the Commonwealth.

If you are going out to celebrate the holidays and there is even a possibility that you may drink alcohol, you need to plan for a safe ride home.

U.S. streets are transforming into testing grounds for automated vehicle technology — but both Congress and state governments are failing to protect road users who didn’t sign up to be guinea pigs, a new report says.

Police say to triple driving distance between vehicles.

State legislators should change traffic laws to make sure kids under the age of 12 sit in the back seat, to limit when teens can drive, and to allow for automated enforcement with speed and red-light cameras, a group of advocates said Tuesday.

The American Automobile Association has released its annual Traffic Safety Culture Index, and the results aren’t great: In every category, Americans drove more dangerously in 2021 compared to the year prior.

While some drivers can safely drive into their nineties, for others medical conditions, problems with eyesight, sleep, tremors, or memory can make driving more difficult and dangerous.

No matter how much is budgeted for road improvement, it’s clear that roads alone won’t solve the region’s traffic woes.

Any task that involves a driver’s hands and eyes has the highest risk of resulting in an incident or unsafe event on the road, according to study findings by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.

Traffic safety experts urge motorists to be sun-glare aware at sunrise and sunset this time of year.

About a thousand people gathered on a bright morning on the National Mall the Saturday before Thanksgiving for what has become an American tradition: mourning a roadway fatality.

A dramatic reduction in traffic deaths in US cities is possible, despite huge headwinds. In some places, progress is starting to become visible.

The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that 518 people may die on U.S. roads this Thanksgiving holiday period, and if this estimate holds true, this Thanksgiving holiday weekend would experience the most deaths since 2007.

When it comes to drunk driving, it’s not just the physical dangers that you need to be aware of. There are also mental health risks associated with this behavior.

An estimated 518 people will die in car crashes on U.S. roads this Thanksgiving, a leading safety organization says — but little is being done to save lives by addressing the root causes of traffic violence.

Before you hit the road this holiday season, don’t just be thankful, be courteous towards other drivers on the road.

State and local police officers across Virginia will be on the lookout for unbelted motorists during the Click It or Ticket campaign, which runs from November 26-30.

It’s a problem that lots of states have struggled with in recent years as the nation has moved to marijuana legalization and pot usage has spiked. How can police tell if someone is driving under the influence of cannabis?

Area police are stepping up traffic enforcement throughout the region, hoping to bring down the number of people killed or hurt while out walking and biking on local roads. In the month of November, there have been at least nine people killed in the region.

The pedestrian killed in a hit-and-run incident in Roanoke on Friday was one of 14 people who died in Virginia over the Thanksgiving weekend, according to Virginia State Police.

In 15 years working in the substance abuse field, I’ve had a front-row seat to a lot of heartbreak and tragedy. One of the most consistent themes in these sad stories is impaired driving.

Passenger-vehicle drivers were far more likely to get speeding-related citations than commercial drivers in last summer’s week-long Operation Safe Driver Program organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.

During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we recommit to stopping avoidable traffic deaths and keeping America’s roadways safe by driving sober, raising awareness, helping each other get home, and supporting fellow Americans who are struggling with substance use.

When taking to the highway in Richmond, there's hardly a time that you won't see tractor-trailers traveling through.

Police know the routine when they catch a drunk driver, but what if the driver is stoned? There is no standard test for police to find out whether someone is too high to drive quickly.

With an estimated 54.6 million people traveling to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday this year, the American Trucking Associations and ATA’s Share the Road highway safety program provided safe driving tips in preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Virginia is mounting an extensive campaign, fueled by millions of dollars, to cut the mounting death toll on the commonwealth’s highways and streets.

The Travelers Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV), today released “Every Second Matters®: Reducing Distracted Driving, One Voice at a Time,” an educational guide published in partnership with Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), the world’s largest telematics company.

If you plan on driving the newly extended I-66 Express Lanes next month, make sure there are at least two other people in the car to avoid paying a toll.

Plans include modifying the staging of snowplow and towing crews, new police drones and improved communications with the public.

An average of 2.7 people are killed in traffic crashes every day in Virginia. Pedestrian and bicycle accidents are on the rise, and lawmakers have made it easier to go after distracted driving, but the laws are not getting used.

To mark the anniversary of a $1 trillion infrastructure law, the nation’s top transportation officer pointed to progress in implementing safety provisions linked to freight and commuter corridors.

Think you know the proper car-seat safety rules because you’ve transported your kids or grandkids, who are now grown?

Parents have to have conversations with their children about distracted driving and more.

According to statistics from the NHTSA from the past five years, it is estimated that 10,732 people (about the seating capacity of Cameron basketball stadium at Duke University) in the U.S. were killed in car [crashes] during popular days off.

Detectives say the driver of a sedan was attempting to make a U-turn when he was struck and killed by an alleged drunken driver who was speeding.

Two new U.S. studies show that automatic emergency braking can cut the number of rear-end automobile crashes in half, and reduce pickup truck crashes by more than 40%.

This week (November 14-18, 2022) is Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW), and fire fighters and paramedics are urging the public to use extreme caution while driving near traffic [crashes].

Some 61% of Americans plan to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday with 80% choosing to drive to their destination, and many are sticking to 50 miles of home, according to a recent survey from cars.com.

The first winter weather advisory for the cold season is making its way to our area. National Weather Service Meteorologist, Will Perry says it’s not unusual to see winter weather in our area during this time.

According to 24/7 Wall St, 2021 was one of the deadliest years for automobile fatalities. That year, 42,915 people died from car crashes. That’s a 10.5% increase over the previous year.

USDOT’s National Roadway Safety Strategy calls for cooperation to improve the safety of all road users, including first responders.

A high school student died after a driver crashed into her while she was walking in the crosswalk Wednesday, according to Fairfax County police.

Holidays are traditionally a time of travel for families across the United States, and the Thanksgiving holiday is no different.

Ten Henrico County school buses were involved in crashes during the 2020-2021 school year – the most of any locality in the state – according to data from the Virginia Department of Education.

In Virginia, comparing 2022, so far this year with 2021 at this time, there has been a 34% increase in walkers and cyclists being killed in traffic, according to John Saunders, the director of Highway Safety for the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

The Virginia Department of Transportation hosted another successful Highway Heroes event on Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, where hundreds of residents and families from across Central Virginia showed up to learn about the role of first responders on the state’s roadways and the tools they use to address various traffic incidents.

Jamel Tanner, a recent victim of a fatal pedestrian crash, spent the last couple of months of his life walking up and down Route 234, a busy highway also known as Dumfries Road, in order to get to work.

Deer will be on the move in the coming months, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife. This means the chances of hitting a deer on the road are higher.

The likelihood of dying in a motor vehicle crash in Canada is 60% lower than the same scenario in the United States, Bloomberg reports.

More than 745,000 vehicles were stolen in the first three quarters of 2022, with over 250,000 having been reported to law enforcement since the end of June, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). This represents a 24% increase compared to the same time period in 2019.

More than one in 10 Virginians have driven at least once a month in the past year after using marijuana, according to a recent survey conducted by Stratacomm.

In a few years, your car is likely to know if you've been drinking too much and could block you from driving — even if you think you're sober enough to do so.

Imagine your 4,000-pound passenger vehicle colliding with an 80,000-pound truck.
That’s how Alan Boyd, a professional truck driver for more than four decades, frames part of the roadway safety talks he has with high school students.

Virginia teens, do you think you have what it takes to create a safe driving song or tune?

A new Department of Transportation inspector general report concluded that DOT’s key 2023 “management challenges” range from reducing highway fatalities to successfully implementing the variety of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act programs.

The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and NEC demonstrate intersection safety using artificial intelligence-based video analytics.

Trick-or-treaters and Halloween partiers can be a dangerous mix, warns AAA Mid-Atlantic​. Here are safety tips for kids and VA drivers.

The pandemic upended everyday life in lots of ways, and one of them was driving. We didn’t do as much of it for a couple of years.

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there were nearly five thousand work zone-related crashes in Virginia resulting in more than one thousand injuries and nearly 30 deaths.

The shorter days can have negative effects on the mind and body – and lead to an increase in driving [crashes]. Here are some safe driving tips to help you after the clocks change.

A new survey reveals some Virginians are downplaying the dangers of using cannabis behind the wheel, according to the state agency overseeing recreational marijuana legalization.

The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute says nearly 80 percent of all wrecks and close calls involving tractor trailers are caused by other cars.

Every day, approximately 32 people in the U.S. die in drunk driving collisions. Safety advocates — and a majority of the public — support the use of ignition interlocks to keep drunk drivers off the streets.

In a recent study, young adult drivers aged 20–34 reported spending more time driving and driving more miles each day in 2021 than drivers aged 35–49 did in the U.S.

The NHTSA reminds drivers that children are at greatest risk not while riding the school bus, but while boarding or disembarking.

A drop in tickets issued by Roanoke police was prompted by several reasons, those involved say.

Most people consider drowsy driving dangerous, but an estimated 37 million Americans still get behind the wheel at least once a year when they're so tired they can barely keep their eyes open.

Auto insurance premiums, on average, are higher for teenage boys than girls, because statistically and biologically boys are far riskier behind the wheel.

Gig-economy workers are 4 times as likely as other drivers to use smartphone apps regularly while driving, a new survey from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows.

With Drowsy Driving Prevention Week beginning soon — it runs Nov. 6-13 — the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) is warning of the dangers of drowsy driving and sharing tips to prevent this behavior in the first place.

Adopting permanent daylight saving time in the United States would reduce deer-vehicle collisions, report researchers.

DRIVE SMART Virginia, Hopewell Police Department and VCU traveled to Hopewell High School to educate sophomores students about the dangers of distracted driving using its drive smart simulator Wednesday.

Thursday marked the first-ever national "Do Not Disturb While Driving Day" when driving safety advocates encouraged drivers to turn on the "do not disturb" function on their phones when behind the wheel.

Pete Buttigieg, secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, is looking to states for help in reducing what he describes as a “shocking” number of annual roadway fatalities.

FMCSA’s recently confirmed Administrator Robin Hutcheson gave an agency update at the American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference and Exhibition in San Diego on Oct. 22.

Several Virginia agencies came together Friday to spread a single message to drivers on the Commonwealth's highways: "slow down, move over".

AAA has released detailed expert guidance and new tools to assist policymakers, prosecutors, law enforcement, and toxicology laboratory staff when starting or expanding an oral fluid program to detect drugged drivers.

Automakers tout advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and emergency braking as a solution to the epidemic of traffic fatalities. But what if they’re just convenience features?

The Virginia Department of Transportation is working with construction contractors along I-81 between exits 137 and 141 to decrease the number of crashes, which have led to traffic backups along the highway stretch.

“E-scooters, which were a novelty just a few years ago, are here to stay,” Jonathan Adkins, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), said in a statement.

'Tis the season for zombie driving, but it’s no laughing matter. In all seriousness, it turns out nearly 30% of Americans admit to doing it.

Safety advocates say teens need to watch speed, put down the phone and wear seatbelts to avoid deadly crashes.

So far this year, crashes have killed 124 pedestrians on Virginia roadways, an increase of 34% compared to this time in 2021, according to a new report from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

When it comes to Halloween, costumes and candy are not the only thing pedestrians worry about. Halloween is known as one of the deadliest days of the year for pedestrians.

Local law enforcement agencies and national safety leaders are urging people to stay scary safe this Halloween.

More than 175 runners and walker registered for the Jimmy Rich 5K held Saturday at Anglers Park in Danville. The race was in honor of Rich, who was killed by a distracted driver in January while out on a run.

Halloween night will bring anything from spooky ghosts and goblins to masked superheroes and crowned princesses knocking at your door — but only for about two hours for kids under the age of 13.

The variable speed-limit corridor on Interstate 95 in Spotsylvania County seems to be doing what it was intended to do: initiate gradually slower speeds for a more efficient trip, with fewer crashes, through a heavily congested area.

Brooke Point High School sophomores watched as their principal, Tim Roberts, started driving home from a party under the influence of seven alcoholic beverages.

For some people, fall means road trips to view spectacular foliage and pick apples. For others, it’s back-to-school time.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released an update on its National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) on October 14, and shared a new online dashboard that allows stakeholders and the general public to track the Department’s progress on commitments made as part of the NRSS.

The thought of a teenager driving is pretty nerve-wracking as it is, adding in ADHD might make parents even more nervous.

Anytime a driver reaches over to send a text message, answer a call, or perform any other task while operating a vehicle, they place the lives of themselves, their passengers, and other drivers at risk.

Historically, “free range” has been the most common way most dogs travel when riding in the car. That’s right, they simply roam freely – many times even sitting on the driver’s lap.

As part of National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 16-22, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is encouraging teen drivers and their parents or guardians to start candid conversations about safe driving habits.

Statistically, October is the most dangerous month on Virginia roadways, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and Virginia State Police.

Just because you gave your children keys to the car, it doesn't mean you can't talk to them about safe driving.

Motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death for US teens, that’s according to the CDC. To bring awareness to the importance of safety behind the wheel, it’s National Teen Driver Safety Week.

National Teen Driver Safety Week, which runs from October 16-22, provides the perfect opportunity for parents to talk with teens about safe driving habits

Once a year, pull out the orange cones, bring everyone together, and conduct a skills course. Don’t make it just another hum-drum day at work, though. Make it a fun, special event.

If you have trouble ignoring a call or text message while you’re driving, your phone has a feature that might just help. Oct. 20 is National Do Not Disturb While Driving Day. The National Distracted Driving Coalition is calling on drivers to use the Do Not Disturb feature on their cellphones.

The American Transportation Research Institute analyzed more than 580,000 individual truck driver records and identified more than 25 different violations and convictions that increased the likelihood of future crashes...

Although only 19% of people in the United States live in rural areas, half of all fatal roadway crashes happen on rural roads, a recent analysis from the Governors Highway Safety Association shows.

From the period of 2010 to 2020, pedestrian deaths have increased faster than other traffic fatalities. In 2020, pedestrian deaths made up 16.9% of total traffic fatalities in the Unites States according to Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

With October marking the beginning of National Pedestrian Safety Month, the U.S. Department of Transportation is reminding drivers of their responsibility to stay alert for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.

According to research by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), October is the most dangerous month to drive in Virginia. Because of this, the Virginia State Police and 19 local police agencies are teaming up for a new campaign to prevent crashes and reduce injuries this month.

With fall deer breeding season now underway, police in Fairfax County, Virginia, are giving drivers tips on how to safely navigate the roads.

Many Americans feel comfortable treating their advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which partially automate certain driving functions, as full self-driving systems, according to a study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Many drivers who use partial automation on a regular basis often treat their vehicles as fully self-driving, despite widespread warnings and numerous high-profile crash reports.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched a new national paid media campaign to educate drivers about the dangers of illegally passing stopped school buses. The campaign will run through October 31.

Teenagers are engaging in risky driving behaviors, according to new research, highlighting opportunities for targeted interventions that address the concerning trends.

Make sure you avoid common pitfalls by following this advice from Chris Morris, UNC Health child passenger safety technician. Morris estimates he's installed between 150,000 and 200,000 car seats since 1983.

When drivers make phone calls or read or send text messages while behind the wheel, they increase the risk of being involved in a crash.

To help keep older drivers safe and extend their driving years, a number of inexpensive products can easily be added to your vehicle to help with many needs.

"I am sick and tired of car crashes being the No. 1 killer of youth, those under 25, whether they are driving or not," Filler said.

Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety’s peer-to-peer campaign, Drive for Change: Buckle Up and Slow Down, is designed to encourage youth and teens to develop a lifelong buckle up habit by reminding them that seat belts are their best defense against injury and death in a crash.

What priority does traffic enforcement have in your agency compared to other activities involving life, property and community service?

When you have been driving cars for a long time, it is easy to get lazy in your driving habits and not realize you have forgotten what you learned about car safety.

National Pedestrian Safety Month celebrates the right of everyone to walk or roll safely and reminds drivers of their responsibility to stay alert for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.

Close to half a million vehicles were stolen in the first half of 2022 — a 25% increase over the vehicle theft total reported for the first half of the year in 2019, according to the latest analysis from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

States are partnering with Waze, Google’s crowdsourced navigation app, to improve real-time road and highway information to drivers.

It would be the first to do so in the U.S. in over 80 years. But other places are looking at similar restrictions to improve street safety.

Transportation officials are spending millions on traffic infrastructure in Virginia in hopes of curbing an alarming increase in traffic fatalities from 2014 to 2021.

A new push to stop drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel could happen soon. The National Transportation Safety Board is calling for alcohol impairment detection systems to be installed in all new cars in the next three years.