Lowest Car Accident Deaths in Virginia in over 40 years

Virginia had 821 traffic fatalities in 2008, the lowest number of car deaths  since 1966. 2009 should have a significantly lower number of deaths than 2008.

This is likely due to several things, the most important being the increased amount of people using their seat belts. Seat belts are very important to use every time you are in the car and are a good habit to start. About 82% of Virginians buckle up and we should try and make it 100% before the end of the next decade.

Also there continues to be analysis of the causes of car wrecks and ways to prevent accidents. This data allows traffic engineers to change traffic patterns, add or remove stop lights, change speed limits and help police locate problem areas.

Also there has been an effort by Virginia Governor Tim Kaine to fund traffic safety programs to reduce the number of traffic deaths by increasing seat belt usage, deterring drunk and/or aggresive drivers, reducing motorycle, bike and pedestrian deaths, and increasing awareness of risks for teen and senior citizen drivers.