Traffic crash deaths on Virginia roadways reach 14-year high

968 Virginians died last year due to crashes

Credit: Stacey Readout

Deaths on Virginia roadways reached a 14-year high last year and the Department of Motor Vehicles is urging people to do their part to keep roads safe.

“There are immediate, simple actions Virginians can take to save lives on our roadways,” said Acting DMV Commissioner Linda Ford. “This is critically important as fatalities continue to increase this year. Vehicles and roadways are safer than they ever have been, yet we continue to lose lives to senseless crashes. Do your part to help. Slow down, buckle up, focus on the task of driving and never drive impaired.”

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According to the DMV, 968 Virginians died in roadway crashes in 2021, which is the highest number of annual fatalities since 2007 (1,026 deaths).

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says these increases mirror a national trend, with 31,000 deaths across the U.S. in the first nine months of 2021.

This is the highest number of fatalities nationwide in the first nine months of any year since 2006.

“This trend is poised to continue unless Virginians take action,” Ford said. “Most people want to contribute to something greater; by driving safely, you can truly make a difference, not just in your life, but in the lives of everyone with whom you share the road.”

In 2022, 245 Virginians have been killed in crashes so far—a 12% increase compared to this point in 2021.