Stop and Secure the Scene:
Do not leave the scene of the accident. Try to move your vehicle to the side of the road if it's safe to do so, and use flares or warning triangles to alert other drivers.
Virginia Car Crash Statistics
Virginia, known for its diverse landscapes ranging from the Appalachian Mountains to the coastal plains, faces significant challenges on its roadways. The state recorded over 1,000 traffic-related deaths in 2022, the highest in 15 years, signaling a growing concern for road safety. This increase in fatalities is attributed to speeding, distracted driving, and not wearing seatbelts, highlighting the need for stricter adherence to traffic laws and safety measures. Additionally, DRIVE SMART Virginia reports that distractions like using cell phones contribute to a majority of crashes, emphasizing the critical need for focused driving.
The data also points to the vulnerability of young drivers and pedestrians, with a noticeable rise in accidents involving these groups. Efforts to combat these issues include campaigns against impaired driving and initiatives encouraging the use of seatbelts. As Virginia seeks to reverse this troubling trend, the importance of responsible driving and the collective effort to improve road safety cannot be overstated.
Fatal Crashes
906
Deaths
973
Deaths per 100,000 population
11.2
Deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
1.21
Crash Types
973
Single-vehicle
550
Multiple-vehicle
423
Alcohol Involvement
531killed
Drivers killed with known BAC results
438
Estimated drivers killed with BACs ≥ 0.08
158
Deaths by Road User
Rural vs. Urban Crashes
The data also points to the vulnerability of young drivers and pedestrians, with a noticeable rise in accidents involving these groups. Efforts to combat these issues include campaigns against impaired driving and initiatives encouraging the use of seatbelts. As Virginia seeks to reverse this troubling trend, the importance of responsible driving and the collective effort to improve road safety cannot be overstated.
Number of Fatal Crashes
Number of Serious Injury Crashes
Top 5 Most Dangerous Roads in Virginia
Exploring the roads in Virginia reveals some stretches are notably perilous. Here's a summary of the top 5 most dangerous roads in the state based on recent studies:
95
31 Car crashes/year
81
28 Car crashes/year
64
30 Car crashes/year
29
24 Car crashes/year
360
21 Car crashes/year
Key Car Crash Statistics in Virginia
Here are key car crash statistics in Virginia from 2021 to 2024:
- In 2021, Virginia saw more than 960 fatalities due to car crashes, a 15% increase from the previous year.
- Daily, over 160 individuals were injured in car accidents in Virginia in 2021.
- In 2021, distracted driving resulted in over 17% of all traffic collisions, 110 of which were fatal.
- In 2021, there were 6,749 alcohol-related car crashes that resulted in 247 fatalities.
- Speed-related collisions resulted in 445 deaths and nearly 13,000 injuries in Virginia during 2021.
- 2022 witnessed 1,005 fatal car accident deaths on Virginia's roadways, an increase of about 3.8% from the previous year.
- In 2022, traffic collisions injured 162 people every day in Virginia.
- Distracted driving contributed to 80% of all crashes and 65% of near-crashes, as identified by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
- The year 2022 saw 39 teen fatalities in car accidents across Virginia.
- Pedestrian fatalities increased by 36.8% in 2022 compared to 2021, with 182 total deaths (171 pedestrians and 11 bicyclists).
- Unrestrained occupant fatalities rose by 12.3% in 2022, with 375 deaths reported.
- In 2023, Virginia had 906 fatal car accidents.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Virginia?
After a car accident in Virginia, there are specific steps you should follow to ensure your safety and comply with state laws:
1
2
Check for Injuries:
Assess yourself, passengers, and others for injuries. Call 911 for emergency medical help if needed.
3
Call the Police:
It's important to report the accident to the police, especially if there are injuries, death, or significant property damage. Virginia law requires reporting for accidents resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,500. The police report is crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes.
4
Exchange Information and Gather Evidence:
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well. Use your phone to take photos of the accident scene, damages, and any relevant road conditions or signs.
5
See a Doctor:
Even if you don’t have apparent injuries, it’s advisable to see a doctor within 24 hours. Some injuries may not be immediately evident.
6
Report the Accident to Your Insurance:
Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Be factual, but avoid admitting fault or downplaying the incident until you've spoken with a lawyer.
7
Obtain a Police Report:
The police report can be requested from the Virginia DMV by submitting a written request or a completed information request form, with a fee of $8.
8
Consider Legal Advice:
Consulting with a car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and the best course of action, especially if there are disputes about fault or if you've suffered significant injuries.
Virginia Driving Laws and Facts
Every driver must understand the state's traffic laws to protect other motorists on the road. Some of these laws include:
Speed Limits
Virginia's speed limits vary by area and road type, with interstate highways and other limited access highways having a maximum speed limit of 55 mph for most vehicles. Residential and business districts often have a limit of 25 mph, while unpaved roads are generally limited to 35 mph. Speeding can lead to penalties, especially if exceeding the limit by 20 mph or more, which could be considered reckless driving.
Stopping Laws
Drivers in Virginia must stop for stop signs, red traffic lights, and flashing red signals, among other situations. There's a special emphasis on stopping for school buses when they’re flashing red lights.
Cell Phone Use
Holding a cell phone or any other electronic device while driving is prohibited unless lawfully parked. This law aims to reduce distracted driving incidents. Violations can result in a $125 fine for the first offense and $250 for subsequent offenses.
Seat Belt and Child Restraint Laws
Virginia law requires front seat passengers 18 years or older to wear seat belts, subject to a $25 fine for non-compliance.
License Renewal and Learner's Permits
Virginia allows new drivers to obtain a learner's permit at 15 years and six months, with a progression to an intermediate license and full license under specific conditions. The state mandates license renewal every eight years, with additional requirements for drivers over 75.
DUI Laws
The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08%. Penalties increase with higher BAC levels and for repeat offenses. Virginia enforces strict consequences for impaired driving to maintain road safety.
License Renewal
Drivers are required to renew their licenses every eight years. Those over 75 must renew every five years and undergo a vision test.
Work Zones
Virginia enforces increased penalties for speeding violations in work zones, with fines up to $500.
Yielding Laws
Virginia law specifies when drivers must yield, including at intersections, to pedestrians, and for funeral and military convoys. Failing to yield can result in traffic tickets and fines.
Passing Laws
There are specific conditions under which passing is allowed and areas where it is prohibited, such as on hills, curves, and no-passing zones.
Parking Laws
It's illegal to park in several specified areas, including double parking, on sidewalks, and in front of driveways.
Graduated Licensing
Virginia employs a graduated licensing system to allow new drivers to gain experience under low-risk conditions. This includes restrictions for drivers under 18, such as passenger limitations and curfews.
Virginia Weird Traffic Laws
Virginia shares many of its traffic laws with other US states, but it also has some unique and odd laws.
- Radar Detectors: It's illegal to use police radar detectors in Virginia.
- Parking on Railroad Tracks: In Prince William County, parking on railroad tracks is prohibited, which sounds like common sense.
- Speeding Penalties: Going 11 miles per hour or more over the speed limit on some highways could result in jail time for up to a year.
- Bicycle Riding Restrictions: In Virginia Beach, it's against the law for a person to ride on the handlebars of a bicycle.
- Repeated Driving Past the Same Spot: It’s unlawful to drive by the same place within 30 minutes on Atlantic Avenue in Virginia Beach.
- DUI for Passengers: Even if you are not driving, you may get a DUI if you and the driver of the car you’re in are drunk, also in Virginia Beach.
- Horse Riding Time Restrictions: There are specific times when riding a horse in certain areas is restricted.
- Women Driving Up Main Street: In Waynesboro, a woman can only drive a car up Main Street if her husband is walking in front of the car waving a red flag.
- Golf Cart Crossing: It is generally illegal to drive a golf cart across a highway, with few exceptions.