Editorial
Distracted driving and speeding are dual threats that endanger everyone who gets in an automobile and rides on our roadways. Various statewide initiatives are underway in April to bring attention to these common dual threats and other issues that affect traffic safety, such as slowing down and being cautious when driving through highway work zones.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The Virginia Department of Transportation, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the Virginia State Police and DRIVE SMART Virginia are urging motorists to “keep their heads up and eyes on the road.” They note that “in too many cases, motorists are engaging with their smartphone, eating or drinking, or simply not paying attention on the road. This leads to tragic consequences.”
In 2024, there were 18,688 crashes, 73 fatalities and 10,222 injuries attributable to distracted driving in Virginia. Crashes due to distracted driving related to cellphone use, such as texting while driving, rose 3 percent last year. Virginia law prohibits drivers from holding cell phones or any other wireless communications devices while driving. State law does allow drivers to communicate with cell phones if they do so without holding a device but this practice is discouraged as well. Drivers are encouraged to turn on the “Do Not Disturb” feature on their phone to mute calls, notifications and other alerts to reduce phone distractions while driving.
“Distracted driving is far too common these days, and it puts drivers and others on Virginia’s roadways at serious risk,” said VDOT Commissioner Stephen Brich. “Taking your eyes off the road to check your email or send a text message – even for a second – creates a dangerous environment. Everyone can do their part by staying focused when behind the wheel.”
Speeding is also a big threat to traffic safety. According to preliminary data, there were more than 25,000 speed-related crashes in Virginia last year that resulted in over 2,000 serious injuries and 410 fatalities. Visitors to the state’s highway rest areas may have noticed bright yellow signs urging drivers to “Slow Down, Arrive Alive.” This is a recent initiative of DMV and VDOT to raise awareness about the dangers of speeding.
“Every day, we see the tragic results of speed-related crashes in Virginia. By displaying these signs, we’re sending a clear message to drivers that speeding is not just illegal, but dangerous and deadly,” said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey, the governor’s highway safety representative. “With the installation of these signs, we hope to bring awareness to this critical issue and remind all drivers to slow down and drive responsibly.”
DMV and VDOT remind drivers that “speeding increases the risk of crashes, reduces reaction time and makes crashes more dangerous. Slow down, stay within the speed limits and make safety your top priority. By driving responsibly, you’re not just following the law – you’re protecting yourself, your loved ones and everyone on the road.”
Motorists are also advised that they are often called upon to share the road with employees and contractors for VDOT when driving through work construction zones. “They are the crew members on the other side of the cones or barrels, working to build, maintain and improve our transportation network,” said Todd Stevens, VDOT’s Staunton District engineer. “Work-zone safety must be a partnership. It is VDOT’s responsibility to give motorists adequate warning of work zones, and to ensure that navigating through them is simple and safe. Drivers are responsible for slowing down, avoiding all distractions, and being patient when lane closures, flagging operations or detours extend their travel time.”
April 21-25 is National Work Zone Awareness Week. This year’s theme, “Respect the Zone So We All Get Home,” is a reminder that everyone is in this together. Be a part of Go Orange Day on Wednesday, April 23, by wearing something orange in support of work-zone safety. That same day at 1 p.m., everyone is welcome to join the annual vigil at the VDOT Worker’s Memorial along Interstate 64 on the east side of Afton Mountain.
Something else we must emphasize is to always buckle up. “Protect yourself,” advises driving safety advocates. “A seat belt is your best defense against a distracted driver.” Or, we might add, it’s the best defense against anyone else on the road who is speeding or otherwise not following safe driving practices.
