08/11/2026
School is almost back in session, which means our roads will be even busier with school buses, teen drivers, parents dropping off younger students, and children walking to and from school. As traffic increases, we would like to remind road users to make safe choices on the road.
In 2025, there were 1,612 crashes involving pedestrians, 22,529 speed-related crashes, and 17,357 crashes involving distracted drivers across Virginia. With students heading back to the classroom, keeping them safe should be a priority for everyone.
For Pedestrians:
Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
Cross the street only at designated crosswalks.
Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the road.
Ensure children under 10 do not cross the street alone.
For Drivers:
Stay alert, and watch for pedestrians, especially at night.
Always yield to pedestrians.
Never pass another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.
Minimize blind spots and avoid distractions.
Speed Prevention
Always consider road, weather, and traffic conditions, and reduce your speed when necessary.
Follow posted speed limits and be especially alert to reduced speed limits in school zones.
Plan ahead to avoid rushing and the temptation to speed.
Distracted Driving Prevention
Enter directions into your vehicle’s navigational system before driving.
Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature or place your cell phone out of reach until you arrive at your destination.
Speak up if you are a passenger and your driver is distracted.
Stay alert for pedestrians, bicyclists, school buses, crossing guards, and other drivers on the road.
