Va. Gov. Applauds State for Earning Special Recognition for Drop in Traffic Fatalities

Virginia Gov. Mark Warner on Thursday applauded Virginia’s law enforcement, transportation officials, and motorists for doing their part in making the Commonwealth’s highways among the safest in the nation.

Virginia was selected by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), Region II Inc., for reporting the lowest rate of traffic deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled over the past five years.

“With more than 57,000 miles of state-maintained roads in the Commonwealth of Virginia, our law enforcement and transportation partners take great pride in ensuring the safety of all of our motorists,” the Governor said. “Through effective enforcement, driver-safety campaigns and outreach, and responsible driving methods, we really can make a positive difference on our roadways.”

Using the latest statistics on fatal traffic crashes and miles-traveled, Virginia averaged 1.22 traffic deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled between 1999 and 2003.

Virginia was selected for the AAMVA Category One Award from among the 16 jurisdictions that comprise the organization’s Region II, including 14 states in the southern United States as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Virginia State Police and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle representatives accepted the award on behalf of the Commonwealth at the AAMVA Region II Conference in New Orleans.

AAMVA is a nonprofit organization that strives to develop model programs in motor vehicle administration, police traffic services and highway safety. The association serves as an information clearinghouse for these same disciplines, and acts as the international spokesman for these interests.