News Headlines

March 4, 2024
Safe Cars Save Lives: Drivers Should Check Their Vehicle During Vehicle Safety Recalls Week

February 26, 2024
Virginia State Police Call Attention to Fatal Pedestrian Crashes: Ten Pedestrians Killed WIthin Past Two Weeks
Virginia State Police Offer Lifesaving Pedestrian& Driving Tips

RICHMOND – Virginia State Police is stressing pedestrian safety, following an alarming uptick in pedestrian deaths on Virginia roads.  Since Feb. 11, 2024, there have been ten pedestrians killed across the Commonwealth.  The fatalities have occurred in the counties of Prince William (2), Henrico, Chesterfield, Albemarle, Fairfax, Pittsylvania, Loudoun, Wythe, and the City of Virginia Beach.  Preliminary data shows there have been 19 pedestrian deaths in Virginia so far this year. Read more

November 28, 2023
Virginia Experiences Significant Decrease in Traffic Deaths Over 2023 Thanksgiving Weekend
Preliminary data indicates a 53 percent decrease in number of fatal traffic crashes

RICHMOND – Virginia experienced a 53% decrease in the number of fatal traffic crashes over the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday.? Preliminary data indicates nine people lost their lives over the five-day holiday statistical counting period, compared to 19 fatalities in 2022.*?? In a majority of the crashes, those who died were not wearing a seat belt. Read more

September 18, 2023
DMV Helps Parents & Caregivers Make Sure Children Are Safely Secured in Vehicles with New Video
National Child Passenger Safety Week is September 17-23

RICHMOND – As a part of National Child Passenger Safety Week, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) illustrates to parents and caregivers the importance of making sure their child is always secure in their vehicle with an informative video providing top safety tips.

"To help ensure best safety practices, DMV is providing additional resources on our website for parents. According to NHTSA, 46% of booster and car seats are used incorrectly. Parents want to do everything they can to protect their children. We hope these tips will help them do just that," said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey, the Governor's Highway Safety Representative. Read more

August 31, 2023
2023 Labor Day Weekend May Signal an End to Summer, But Not for Smart, Safe & Sober Driving

RICHMOND – Labor Day weekend may traditionally signal an end to the summer season, but it certainly does not mean an end to the need for Virginians to still make traffic safety a priority. If planning one last summer getaway or just traveling across town, it is imperative for motorists to share the road responsibly, buckle up, and drive sober during the extended holiday weekend.

"Traffic safety is a huge part of the Virginia State Police mission, with a core focus on reducing alcohol-related crashes occurring on Virginia's roadways," said Virginia State Police Superintendent Colonel Gary T. Settle. "Virginians statewide can expect to see an increased presence of law enforcement on the road through the Labor Day weekend, as state troopers seek to apprehend impaired drivers through DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols."

A total of 12 individuals died in traffic crashes in Virginia during the 2022 Labor Day four-day statistical counting period, compared to 10 deaths in 2021 and 20 deaths in 2020*. Read more

August 28, 2023
Virginia Launches Annual DUI Enforcement and Public Education Campaign: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

RICHMOND, VA - Today, Virginia launches its 2023 Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over DUI enforcement and public education campaign. 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. The campaign is in its 22nd year of reminding Virginians of the consequences of impaired driving. An increased enforcement period for Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over will take place from August 16, 2023, through the Labor Day holiday.

Last year, there were 6,910 alcohol-related crashes on Virginia roads—resulting in 4,174 persons injured and 274 fatalities. The number of people killed increased 11% compared to 2021.

"The increase in drunk driving fatalities underscores how important it is to plan a safe ride home before you drink to protect your life and the lives of your fellow Virginians," said Governor Glenn Youngkin. "State and local law enforcement will be coordinating with the Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over campaign to put a stop to these tragedies before they happen."

Over 150 Virginia law enforcement agencies will participate in the Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over campaign through Labor Day. A total of 476 individual saturation patrols and 100 sobriety checkpoints will be conducted across the Commonwealth. Read more

June 30, 2023
Celebrate Smart, Safe & Sober This July 4 Holiday

RICHMOND – With the Fourth of July falling on a Tuesday this year, many Virginians are preparing for a long holiday weekend. Virginia State Police is encouraging everyone to add smart, safe and sober driving to those celebratory travel plans.

"Within the first six months of 2023, preliminary data indicates traffic crashes across the Commonwealth have claimed 400 lives," said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent. "That means Virginia is averaging roughly two traffic deaths every day, and that's unacceptable. Let's make this extended July 4th holiday weekend Virginia's safest ever and drive to save lives. Traffic crashes and deaths are prevented when drivers and passengers simply follow the rules of the road – this includes never driving impaired, avoiding distractions, complying with posted speed limits and always wearing a seat belt." Read more

June 23, 2023
Warm Weather Means Motorcycle Season is Back
DMV Urges Riders and Motorists to Work Together to Keep Virginia Roadways Safe

Warm Weather Means Motorcycle Season is Back DMV Urges Riders and Motorists to Work Together to Keep Virginia Roadways Safe RICHMOND – Summer has finally arrived and that means motorcycle season is in full swing. As such, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is reminding Virginians, both motorcyclists and motorists, to look out for each other on the road. Read more

May 30, 2023
Bicycle-Involved Crashes on the Rise in Virginia
National Bicycle Safety Month is a reminder to look out for each other on Virginia's roads

RICHMOND – In recognition of National Bicycle Safety Month, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is reminding Virginians, both bicyclists and motorists, to look out for each other on the road.  So far this year, there have been 160 bicycle-involved crashes on Virginia's roadways, resulting in the deaths of nine bicyclists and injuries to 156 others. This is an 125% increase in bicyclist-related fatalities compared to four last year at this time. Read more 

April 25, 2023
DMV Debuts Refreshed Virginia Driver's License and ID Card Design
New look celebrates Virginia, enhances security

RICHMOND – Beginning today, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is releasing a refreshed design of Virginia driver's licenses and ID cards.  The new credentials incorporate the next generation of enhanced security features that are resistant to counterfeiting and illustrate the beauty of iconic Virginia imagery. Read more

January 20, 2023
2022 Preliminary Top Jurisdictions for Fatalities

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)' preliminary numbers for Calendar Year 2022 are up. The information is outlined HERE. The preliminary total number of fatalities for 2022 is 998. This is an increase from 2021 where the total number of fatalities recorded was 968.

REMINDER: Applications for FY 23-24 DMV Highway Safety Grants are currently being solicited. Grants allow Virginia-based law enforcement agencies, nonprofit organizations, state and local government agencies and colleges and universities to implement innovative programs and campaigns aimed at preventing and reducing traffic fatalities, injuries and crashes in Virginia.

Read more

December 21, 2022
DMV Reminds Drivers to Avoid Risky Driving Behaviors during Holiday Travel
DMV Offices to Close Dec. 23-26 and Jan. 2; DMV services will be available online during holiday closures

RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles' (DMV) full-service customer service centers will be closed for the Christmas and New Year's holidays from Friday, December 23 through Monday, December 26, and on Monday, January 2. More than 50 services are available online at dmvNOW.com or through the mail if customers need access to DMV during the winter holiday closures.

With extra motorists on the road during the holidays, DMV urges drivers to use caution. Last year between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day, there were 2,371 crashes in Virginia that resulted in 1,092 injuries and 22 fatalities.

"The holidays are a time to celebrate with family and friends. Get to your holiday events safely by following the basic principles of good driving - buckle up, slow down, stay focused and drive sober," said Acting DMV Commissioner Linda Ford, the Governor's Highway Safety Representative. "We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season." Read more

Take Time to Reflect & Improve Driving Habits This Holiday Season
RICHMOND – The holidays are typically a time of joy and gathering with loved ones, but this year far too many will be missing from these gatherings. 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. Virginia State Police remind all those on Virginia roadways that driving responsibly means everyone can get home for the holidays safely. Read more

December 1, 2022
DMV Calls for Organizations to Help Save Lives on Virginia's Roads
Highway Safety Grant Fund Applications Accepted through February 28

If your organization's passion is making a difference in your community and you want to save lives, consider applying for a highway safety grant from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Grants allow Virginia-based law enforcement agencies, nonprofit organizations, state and local government agencies and colleges and universities to implement innovative programs and campaigns aimed at preventing and reducing traffic fatalities, injuries and crashes in Virginia.
 
Interested applicants may apply between February 1 – 28, 2023, and are required to complete a grant application training course. Workshops begin in January 2023. For information about the course, guidelines for grant applications and access to the application, contact the DMV program manager in your area. Read more
 

November 29, 2022
Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend Crashes Claim 14 Lives
Majority of those in vehicles were not wearing a seatbelt

RICHMOND – Three pedestrians and a motorcyclist were among the 14 individuals who lost their lives on Virginia highways over the 2022 Thanksgiving weekend, according to preliminary data. Of the 10 individuals riding in vehicles equipped with seatbelts, eight chose not to wear one. 

"Not sure how many times we can say this until folks start paying attention, but 'Seatbelts save lives,'" said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent. "We are now heading into the 2022 holiday season with 14 families grieving the loss of their loved ones due to these Thanksgiving holiday traffic crashes. For eight of those 14, the simple act of buckling up may well have prevented such tragic outcomes. Please buckle up every one in your vehicle every time and on every ride."

In total, during the five-day period, which began at 12:01 a.m. Nov. 23, 2022 and concluded at midnight Nov. 27, 2022, 14 people lost their lives to traffic crashes in Virginia. The fatal crashes occurred in the counties of Brunswick, Campbell, Chesterfield, Floyd, Greensville, Henrico, Loudoun, Powhatan, Prince William, Rockingham and Spotsylvania and the cities of Richmond, Roanoke and Virginia Beach. Of those crashes, three involved pedestrians, one included a motorcycle and eight were not wearing a seatbelt. Read more

October 25, 2022
October is Pedestrian Safety Month
Pedestrian Fatalities Up 34% This Year

RICHMOND – So far this year, crashes have killed 123 pedestrians on Virginia roadways, an increase of 34% compared to this time in 2021. As part of October's Pedestrian Safety Month, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) urges pedestrians and motorists alike to take extra precautions and use care to save lives.

"Keeping pedestrians safe is a shared responsibility," said Acting DMV Commissioner Linda Ford, the Governor's Highway Safety Representative. "When you're driving, be alert. Pedestrians don't always cross at crosswalks. Always follow posted speed limits so you can safely stop if you need to. When you're walking, be vigilant. Don't assume a vehicle will stop at a stop sign. Look the driver in the eye to make sure they see you before you cross."  Read more

September 21, 2022
DMV Encourages Parents and Caregivers to Ensure Children are Safely Secured or Belted in Vehicles at All Times
National Child Passenger Safety Week is September 18-24

RICHMOND – As part of National Child Passenger Safety Week, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) urges parents and caregivers to ensure their child is properly secured in their vehicle - every trip, every time.

Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Child Passenger Safety Week takes place this year from September 18-24 with National Seat Check Saturday to be held on Saturday, September 24.  Read more

September 1, 2022

RICHMOND, VA - Today marks the launch of Virginia's 2022 Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement and public education campaign. Formerly known as Checkpoint Strikeforce, the campaign is in its 21st year of reminding Virginians of the dangers of impaired driving. The enforcement period of Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over will take place through Labor Day and resume throughout the 2022 winter holiday season. Read more

August 22, 2022
DMV Launches New Seat Belt Safety Campaign Dedicated to Deterring the Ding
Studies Show Some Drivers Persuaded to Buckle Up to Stop Car from Dinging

RICHMOND – Most vehicles are equipped with an annoying little feature. If you don't buckle up, they're going to ding.

And ding. And ding and ding – until you finally put on your seat belt. Turns out, studies show that ding is actually what motivates some folks to wear their seat belt when nothing else will do the trick.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) launched a campaign having a little fun with
that concept – and urging the 18% of Virginians who still don't wear their seat belt to buckle up. Read more

August 1, 2022
DMV Launches New Video Series to Promote Safe Driving
Series uses humor to drive home important messages

It's part of a series of four spots which compare outrageous behaviors people would never combine – such as texting in the ring during an MMA fight – with just-as-dangerous behind-the-wheel activities people undertake every day, like texting while driving.

The "Safe Driving is Something We Can All Live With" series debuted today on social media, streaming services, cable television and video-equipped gas station pumps across the Commonwealth. Produced by NDP and Tilt Creative+Production in Richmond, the videos can also be viewed on DMV's YouTube page.

Read more

July 19, 2022
NHTSA Launches New Campaign to Remind Drivers Speeding Wrecks Lives
Addressing risky driver behavior such as speeding is one of five pillars in the National Roadway Safety Strategy

As part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's comprehensive safety strategy to prevent traffic deaths, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is launching a public education campaign across the country to address one of America's most dangerous driving behaviors. Tomorrow, the agency kicks off the Speeding Wrecks Lives campaign aimed at changing general attitudes toward speeding and reminding drivers of the deadly consequences.

The campaign, which will run July 20-August 14, is supported by an $8 million national media buy featuring English and Spanish-language ads running on television, radio and digital platforms. The ads target drivers ages 18 to 44, who data show are most likely to be involved in speeding-related fatal crashes. Read more

June 28, 2022
Central Virginia Agencies Partner to Reduce Vehicle Theft in Awareness Campaign
Campaign coincides with July observance of National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

The Richmond Police Department announces a multi-agency collaboration to raise public awareness around the rise in vehicle thefts in Central Virginia. Local, state and regional agencies have joined forces to share a united message in the Love My Ride campaign, which encourages Virginians to take simple steps to protect themselves from vehicle theft. The campaign also is a reminder about the insurance implications of vehicle thefts.

In response to the regional rise in vehicle thefts, the Richmond Police Department, Virginia State Police Help Eliminate Auto Theft (H.E.A.T.) program and the Virginia State Corporation Commission's Bureau of Insurance have partnered with these agencies to spread the message: Chesterfield County Police, Hanover County Police, Henrico County Police, Hopewell Police, New Kent County Sheriff's Office, Petersburg Police Department, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and the non-profit DRIVE SMART Virginia.

This campaign will coincide with the July observance of National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month and will include social media messaging, resources, outreach, and vehicle etching events where residents can have their vehicle identification number (VIN) etched on their vehicle glass window. Participating agencies will remind, reinforce, and engage citizens in the message. Read more

June 28, 2022
DMV Reminds Virginians to Make a Plan Before Celebrating this Fourth of July
Preventing a senseless tragedy on the road this holiday weekend starts with designating a sober driver

RICHMOND – The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reminds Virginians to celebrate responsibly and designate a sober driver before the Fourth of July festivities begin.

Last year, during the Fourth of July holiday period (July 2-July 5, 2021) there were 105 crashes, 56 injuries and two deaths related to alcohol on the Commonwealth's roads.

Read more

June 27, 2022
Virginia DMV Requests Increased Highway Safety Education, Messaging

The Virginia DMV Highway Safety Office requests your continued partnership in decreasing traffic fatalities across the Commonwealth by increasing your highway safety education and messaging efforts. Below is the preliminary fatality data for the top 10 jurisdictions in Virginia, as of June 9, 2022. There have been a total of 370 statewide fatalities so far this year (as of June 9). Top Driver's Actions: Failure to maintain control of the vehicle, running off the road; Speed; and Did not have the right-of-way.

It is especially important that we get more education and messaging to Virginia residents in these areas, as these jurisdictions have contributed to 31% of our fatalities this year.  Read more

June 8, 2022
GHSA: Research Confirms Roadway Safety Benefits of Traffic Enforcement
Equitable enforcement is proven to spur positive behavior change, making U.S. roads safer

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new research study released yesterday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirms that high visibility enforcement (HVE) of traffic safety laws has a positive and measurable impact on roadway safety by reducing dangerous driving behaviors that put road users at risk.

... "This study reinforces the need for equitable traffic enforcement focused on the most dangerous driving behaviors," said Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) Executive Director Jonathan Adkins. "Over the past two years, traffic enforcement has declined in many parts of the country while traffic deaths surged." Read more

Of the eight individuals killed this year on Virginia highways, one was operating a motorcycle and five were not wearing a seat belt. Read more

April 28, 2022
2022 Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants to remind all motorists that May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. As May approaches with warmer temperatures throughout the country, the unofficial start of the summer road travel season begins. Safe riding and driving practices, and cooperation from all road users, will help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries in Virginia.

Virginia reports that in 2021, there were 102 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes, a 17% increase from 2020.  Research also shows that motorcyclists are significantly overrepresented in traffic crashes and fatalities each year in Virginia. Read more

April 21, 2022
Kick Off Riding Season With the Virginia Rider Training Program
Right Gear, Right Training Increases the Safety of Motorcyclists

RICHMOND — Open roadways and adrenaline-pumping adventure are what motorcycle riding is all about, but when it comes to your safety, are you riding smart?

Regardless of how long you have been riding, keeping your skills sharp is essential. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers training for motorcyclists of all skill levels through the Virginia Rider Training Program. Read more

April 19, 2022
Crash Fatalities Reach 14-Year High on Virginia Roadways in 2021
DMV Urges Virginians to Take Action by Slowing Down, Buckling Up, Staying Focused and Never Driving Impaired

Last year, 968 people died in crashes on Virginia roadways — a 14.3% increase over 2020 and the highest number of annual fatalities since 2007 (1,026 fatalities). According to final crash statistics from DMV's Highway Safety Office, fatalities increased across a number of categories, such as speed-related fatalities, commercial motor vehicle-involved fatalities and fatalities of motorcyclists, pedestrians, bicyclists, teen drivers and mature drivers. Detailed data are available in the chart below.

Virginia's increase in overall crash fatalities mirrors a startling national trend. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 31,000 people died in crashes in the first nine months of 2021, a 12% increase over the same time period in 2020 and the highest number of fatalities during the first nine months of any year since 2006. The full report on 2021 U.S. crash statistics will be available later this year. Read more

December 20, 2021
Call for Organizations to Help Save Lives on Virginia's Roads
Highway Safety Grant Fund Applications Accepted through February 28

RICHMOND - If your organization's passion is making a difference in your community and you want to save lives, consider applying for a highway safety grant from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Grants allow law enforcement agencies, nonprofit organizations, state and local government agencies, and colleges and universities, to implement innovative programs and campaigns aimed at preventing and reducing traffic fatalities, injuries and crashes in Virginia. 

Interested applicants may apply from February 1 through February 28, 2022, and are required to complete a grant application training course. Workshops begin in January 2022. For information about the course, guidelines for grant applications, and access to the application, contact the DMV program manager assigned to the area of Virginia where the applicant is located. Read more

December 16, 2021
Follow-up to Launch of Next Phase of 'Drive to Protect' Initiative in Virginia
Social content to share during Alcohol Impaired Driving Prevention Month

Last week, Virginia traffic safety partners gathered online and at DMV headquarters to launch the next phase of the Driven to Protect Initiative in Virginia: an exciting new trial deployment with international transportation and logistics provider Schneider. Schneider will outfit eight of their cabs with the latest breath sensors being developed by the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) Program.  

We hope you'll help us spread the word about Virginia's role in advancing this technology during the final few weeks of December – Alcohol Impaired Driving Prevention Month – and as we head into the new year. Read more

November 10, 2021
DMV Reinforces Use of Caution for Motorists and Motorcyclists This Fall
Agency Continues Efforts to Decrease Number of Motorcyclist Fatalities

As of November 4, 95 motorcyclists have died in crashes on Virginia roadways, a 17% increase compared to the same date last year. In fact, more motorcyclists have already died in crashes this year than all of last year (87 motorcyclist fatalities in 2020). Read more

September 28, 2021
Launch of New National Distracted Driving Coalition

VIRGINIA BEACH – On Thursday, September 16, National Transportation Safety Board Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg officially launched the National Distracted Driving Coalition, the first coalition specifically formed to address the growing epidemic of distracted driving. DRIVE SMART Virginia is proud to serve on the steering committee and to have contributed to the development of the group's National Action Plan. Read more

September 2, 2021
DMV Recognizes Jurisdictions with No Traffic Fatalities in 2019 and 2020
Virginia Communities Prove Zero Deaths is Possible

RICHMOND – The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has recognized several jurisdictions across Virginia that achieved zero traffic deaths in 2019 and/or 2020. 

Virginia is an active participant in the national "Toward Zero Deaths" initiative, which brings together engineering, enforcement, education and emergency medical services professionals to work toward a goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities. The adoption and implementation of the Toward Zero Deaths vision by many highway safety offices across America demonstrates a unified commitment to the effort to transform traffic safety culture.  Read more

August 11, 2021
DMV Launches New "Local Heroes" Campaign
Tidewater/Hampton Roads Area First Responders Promote Seat Belt Safety in Ad Campaign Set to Run Through August 31

RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has launched its 2021 Local Heroes campaign, with an aim to decrease unrestrained traffic injuries and fatalities by encouraging drivers and passengers to wear their seat belts. In 2020, there were 343 unrestrained fatalities in Virginia. The five-year average (2016-2020) for unrestrained fatalities in Virginia is 311. Read more

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