RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Speeding, distracted driving and not wearing a seat belt may all sound like common sense examples of what not to do when you get behind the wheel, but according to recent statistics, they’re key factors in the rising number of fatalities here in Virginia and nationwide.
During a news conference on teen driving safety, DMV Virginia Safety Office Director, John Saunders, said, “Across the nation, we’re talking a 14% increase, where in Virginia we have a 4% increase in the number of fatalities. That’s about 21 fatalities more than we had on the same date last year.”
So far, 218 of those drivers killed in Virginia were not wearing a seatbelt – an 18% increase from 2014.
The number of fatalities is even greater among teen drivers in Virginia, with deadly accidents up 20% from last year and 62% not wearing a seat belt.
With Hurricane Joaquin looming, another risk factor to be mindful of is bad weather.
Sargent Stephan Vick with Virginia State Police says, “Just as recent as yesterday, we had the unfortunate crash in Powhatan which resulted in a fatality, and that was weather and speed related.”
When it comes to rain and snow, drivers are reminded to slow down and drive according to the conditions outside.
“You have to always drive defensively,” Sgt. Vick said. “You’ve got to be watching what you do as well as the other person on the road.”
When it comes to staying alive on the road, taking a few simple steps could make a world of difference.
“We just ask everyone to drive smart, wear the seat belt, slow down,” Sgt. Vick said.
Added Saunders, “There’s no other number that we strive for than to get zero fatalities on our roadways.”
