WRIC, Richmond, Virginia's local television station, reported on Monday, October 10, 2022, that October is the most dangerous month to drive in Virginia. That information was provided by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
DMV statistics
According to Virginia DMV, 8,034 people were killed in car crashes over the last 10 years. Of those deaths, 10% happened in October. Last year, 86 people were killed in October car crashes in Virginia. Of those killed, the DMV says almost half were not wearing a seat belt or properly restrained in a car seat or booster seat.
Fatal crashes can occur in any of the twelve months of the year in any state. According to statistics, the highest number of fatal crashes happen in October, and the fewest occur in January. Over the last several years, the fewest vehicle fatalities happened in January and February, while the most vehicle fatalities happened in July, August, and October.
Operation Crash Reduction campaign
The Virginia State Police and 19 other local law enforcement agencies, including the Henrico County Police Department and Richmond Police Department, teamed up for a new campaign to prevent crashes and reduce injuries in October. The campaign, led nationwide by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, encourages drivers to wear seatbelts, watch their speed and practice safe driving.
The DMV joined to participate in the Operation Crash Reduction campaign, which started on October 10, 2022. Linda Ford, the acting DMV commissioner, said:
“As folks travel this holiday weekend, we ask them to remember the basic skills they learned when they started to drive buckle up, follow a safe speed, stay focused and never drive impaired. We could save so many lives if people commit to employing these skills every time they get behind the wheel.”
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