VA seeks public input on Statewide Safety Plan

Virginia is updating its Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) – Arrive Alive.

This is a statewide initiative that establishes priorities and strategies for improving roadway safety across the Commonwealth.

The plan addresses safety for all road users, including drivers and passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.

The SHSP is overseen by a Steering Committee.

Made up of the following organizations:

  • Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT),
  • Virginia State Police (VSP),
  • Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV),
  • Department of Health (VDH)
  • Other state and local agencies and transportation safety partners.

As part of the update, the committee is asking Virginians to share their experiences, concerns and ideas about roadway safety.

Public feedback will help identify safety priorities and inform the next version of the SHSP.

This will guide transportation safety efforts across Virginia in the coming years.

Residents are encouraged to share their perspectives to help shape strategies aimed at reducing crashes, preventing serious injuries and saving lives on Virginia roads.

Learn more about the Strategic Highway Safety Plan – Arrive Alive and how to provide feedback through the Virginia Department of Transportation’s safety plan page

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

VA DMV launches cannabis-impaired driving campaign

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The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has launched its first-ever campaign focused on the dangers of cannabis-impaired driving.

The campaign encourages Virginians to make the safe choice: if you get high to relax, relax – don’t drive high.

DMV officials are reminding drivers that cannabis and other impairing substances can affect their ability to safely operate a vehicle.

Drivers are urged to take a few simple steps: If you’ve consumed any impairing substance, don’t drive.

Instead, call a rideshare service, get a ride from a sober friend, or plan a sober ride home ahead of time.

And if you know someone who is impaired, don’t let them get behind the wheel.

DMV says making the safe choice can help prevent crashes and keep Virginia roads safer.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

VSP launches 100 Safest Days of Summer campaign

VSP official patch and logo used by permission by Information Officer Brent Coffey

The Virginia State Police will officially launch the 100 Safest Days of Summer campaign on Wednesday at 11 am with a ceremony at VSP headquarters in Richmond.

The initiative aims to transform the traditionally recognized “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” into the 100 Safest Days of Summer through:

  • education
  • awareness
  • prevention
  • technology
  • community action

The time frame between Memorial Day and Labor Day has historically seen increased travel, speeding, distraction, impairment, unlicensed driving that contributes to preventable crashes and fatalities, especially in teen drivers.

During the launch event, attendees will learn about the impactful work underway on Virginia’s roadways and how these life saving messages can be brought back and shared with local businesses, churches, schools, community organizations and other groups.

Following the program and featured guest speakers including Virginia DMV commissioner Saundra Jack and Senator Danny Diggs, attendees will have the opportunity to experience LifeSafer’s Intelligent Speed Assistance technology through hands-on demonstrations and test drives.

The safe driving campaign is in partnership with the Gweedo Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to educating new drivers and their parents on the dangers of destructive driving decisions.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Warmer weather bring out motorcycles

VSP official patch and logo used by permission by Information Officer Brent Coffey

With motorcycle fatalities in 2026 just slightly behind the pace of the past two years, Virginia State Police is urging drivers to stay alert on the roads.

May marks Motorcycle Awareness Month, and with warmer weather bringing more riders out, officials say both motorcyclists and drivers need to prioritize safety.

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there have been 24 motorcycle fatalities in Virginia so far this year, as of April 30th.

Nineteen of those occurred in March and April.

By comparison, there were 30 fatalities during the same time period in 2024, and 32 in 2025.

State Police say riders should understand their skill level and ride within their limits, while drivers should remain vigilant and watch for motorcycles sharing the road.

To help improve safety, Virginia State Police is offering its “Ride 2 Save Lives” motorcycle self-assessment courses across the Commonwealth.

The program gives riders a chance to practice handling hazards, navigating curves, and riding safely in a controlled environment with trained motor troopers.

Those interested in participating can find more information and register online.

Space is limited, and riders must have a valid motorcycle endorsement, proper gear, and a street-legal bike with a DOT-approved helmet.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

DMV opens new e-Grant portal for safety initiatives

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The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is inviting residents and organizations across the Commonwealth to apply for funding through the DMV’s new online eGrant portal.

The new portal is intended to make the grant process easier by allowing applicants to:

  • submit and manage applications in one place
  • upload documents securely
  • track progress in real time
  • streamline reporting

These grants are intended to empower community leaders from small towns to urban neighborhoods to create real solutions where they are needed most.

This year’s funding cycle will emphasize:

  • improving safety on rural roads
  • protecting pedestrians and bicyclists
  • reducing serious injuries and fatalities statewide

Grants start at $5,000 and previous projects have grown into youth-led safe driving campaigns, creative pedestrian safety messaging, and targeted law enforcement efforts that removed dangerous drivers from the road.

Interested organizations are encouraged to apply before the February 28th deadline with the project funding period ranging from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027.

For more information, click here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

DMV issues Halloween safety reminder after hazardous 2024

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The Department of Motor Vehicles issued a safety reminder ahead of the Halloween weekend after a dangerous and busy day on the roads in 2024.

Data from last year’s Halloween, which fell on a Thursday, showed 497 crashes resulting in 4 fatalities and 29 serious injuries.

This was an increase from 2024 which reported 393 crashes, 2 fatalities, and 29 serious injuries on the Tuesday holiday.

DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey said, “With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, we know many people will be out having fun. Drivers should slow down in neighborhoods, watch for children darting between cars, and eliminate distractions.”

The safety reminder also encouraged motorists:

  • to enter and exit driveways or alleys slowly
  • drive below the posted speed limit and avoid passing in residential areas
  • never drink and drive

For pedestrians, DMV reminded pedestrians to:

  • not assume right of way due to visibility
  • stick to the sidewalks when possible
  • increase visibility by attaching reflective tape to costumes or candy bags
  • carrying a flashlight

A link with more Halloween safety tips is available here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

NASCAR’s Ross Chastain promotes safe driving in VA

NASCAR driver and former Sports Dogs Podcast special guest Ross Chastain returned to Virginia this weekend for the annual night race at Richmond Raceway on Saturday.

During his trip, he teamed up with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and DRIVE SMART Virginia to promote lifesaving driving habits on and off the track as part of the Who’s Your Driver? campaign.

At the high-energy fan event, Chastain encouraged the crowd to always keep on their seatbelt and to never drive under the influence.

Fans also had the opportunity to chat with the driver, take a look at his stock car, and learn more about the safety equipment used in NASCAR.

Chastain said to the crowd, “When people get behind the wheel, they should remember — the real victory lap is making it home.”

In Virginia, one-in-three fatal crashes involve alcohol and contributed to 4,000 injuries and 318 deaths in 2024 alone.

For more information on the Who’s Your Driver?, click here.

To listen to Ross Chastain’s latest Sports Dogs appearance, click here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

DMV launches Blue Envelope Program

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The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has launched a new initiative aimed at improving traffic stop interactions for individuals with autism.

The Blue Envelope Program is designed to help drivers on the autism spectrum communicate more effectively with law enforcement during a stop or accident.

The blue envelope holds key documents, driver’s license, registration, insurance, and signals that the driver may communicate differently.

Instructions printed on the envelope help guide both the officer and the driver through the interaction with patience and understanding.

Participation is voluntary and confidential, and anyone, can request the free envelope at any Virginia DMV customer service center.

Established under Virginia law § 46.2-203.3, the program aims to ease anxiety, enhance communication, and promote safer interactions between drivers and officers.

For more information, visit your local DMV or go to www.dmv.virginia.gov/BlueEnvelope

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

DMV warns of a texting scam in the region

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The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) warns citizens that a scam involving traffic tickets and charges has been making the rounds.

Text messages claiming to be from the Department of Motor Vehicles or DMV are stating that you owe unpaid fines.

The text will tell you that you urgently need to pay a fine or your license and registration will be suspended.

The text will likely contain a link that should not hit.

DMV does not send such messages ever and you are advised to not respond in anyway.

You can always call DMV to verify the authenticity of the text and possible fine.

After receiving a text like this report it using your phone’s option or forward it to SPAM using the number 7726 and then delete it.

Never give any personal information out to anyone you don’t know.

Text of this sort can always be reported to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

DMV soon to enforce Real ID regulations

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The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles(DMV) reminds citizens through email that soon the federal government will start enforcing Real IDs.

Real ID will be required if you use a state-issued ID to board domestic flights or enter secure federal buildings.

The DMV recommends that you avoid waiting until the last minute to get a Real ID as they can be issued at any of their locations.

If you plan to fly in September, you should make an appointment in July to get Real ID.

DMV will continue to issue Real ID’s year around, but the federal deadline is May 7th 2025.

You can start the process now at the DMV’s website by applying then set the appointment and bring the appropriate documents to your local DMV office.

There is a one-time cost of $10 for the Real ID along with the cost of a driver’s license.

After completing the requirements, a star is placed in the corner of your license or identification that designate Real ID.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.