Month: May 2022

Does Virginia report traffic violations to other states?

Written by Jack T. Randall on May 12, 2022. Posted in Traffic Violations.

Whether you are visiting Virginia for vacation, you commute here for work from another state, or you are just passing through, getting a traffic ticket is probably not in your plans. But it happens. If it has happened to you, you might naturally be wondering if it will go on your driving record if you do not reside in Virginia. You may be particularly concerned if you already have points on your license from your home state and are in danger of getting a suspension.

Unfortunately, traffic violation convictions you get in Virginia are likely to follow you home because of the Driver License Compact.

What is the Driver License Compact?

Forty-five states, including the Commonwealth of Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia, participate in the Driver License Compact. It is an agreement between the participating states to share information about people’s driver’s license statuses and their records of serious traffic violations. Thus, if you pay a ticket or get convicted of a serious traffic offense in Virginia, and the resulting points puts your license over the limit in your home state, you will more than likely get a suspension — unless you live in one of the handful of states that is not a member of the Driver License compact.

Thus, the best way to deal with traffic tickets and arrests on more serious charges is to confront them head-on. If you are in danger of getting your license suspended, consider speaking with a Virginia defense attorney about any pending charges in the Commonwealth. A lawyer experienced with Virginia’s traffic laws may have a solution that lets you keep your license, or at least reduces the length of the suspension to get you back on the road as soon as possible.

What are some of the most dangerous roads in Virginia?

Written by Jack T. Randall on May 6, 2022. Posted in Car Accidents.

One way to reduce traffic accidents is to know which roads present the greatest dangers and to take extra precautions when traveling along those routes or, if possible, to avoid them altogether. A national study of traffic deaths in the U.S. conducted between 2015 and 2019 contains some helpful data for Virginia drivers concerned with traffic safety. The five most dangerous highways in Virginia according to this study are:

#1: US-460

The most dangerous highway in Virginia is US-460, with 128 total fatalities during the study period. The Virginia county with the most traffic deaths along this highway was Dinwiddie County.

#2: US-58

There were also 128 fatalities along this road, although the fatality-per-accident rate was slightly lower than it was for US-460. The most dangerous county along this route was the City of Suffolk.

#3: Interstate 64

There were 120 traffic fatalities along this route during the study period. The most dangerous Virginia county along I-64 was Cabell County.

#4: Interstate 81

Frederick County contained the most dangerous stretch of I-81 in Virginia. There were 109 traffic fatalities along I-81 in Virginia during the study period.

#5: Interstate 95

The stretch of I-95 that saw the most traffic deaths ran through Caroline County. There were a total of 106 traffic deaths in Virginia along this highway during the study period.

Taking strides toward safer travel

Virginians can take some pride in the relative safety of our roads. Our most dangerous highways, US-460 and US-58, were tied for only the 55th most dangerous highway on the national list. Nonetheless, every traffic injury or fatality is a tragedy, and we must do everything we can to make our roads safer.

When an accident does occur, injury victims and their family members should know their legal options. Compensation may be available and can help those who are suffering pay bills and rebuild their lives after a tragic motor vehicle accident.