The Virginian-Pilot
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We’re crashing into each other a lot less, but there are still 63 traffic accidents each day in Hampton Roads. That’s one every 23 minutes.
With 23,142 crashes in 2010, it’s the smallest number in the past decade. And, it’s about 30 percent fewer than the peak of 33,108 in 2004.
Keith Nichols, senior transportation engineer for the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization, says there is no easy explanation but instead “a bunch of little things.”
For one, travel is down 3.5 percent since 2006, when the region logged its highest levels. Highway improvements such as rumble strips and vehicle advances such as anti-lock brakes have helped lower the accident rate not only locally but across the state and nation.
In Virginia, the crash rate has decreased 27 percent since 2004 and nationally it’s down 14 percent.
There also are fewer traffic deaths: Locally, 121 people died in accidents last year, also the least in the last decade. Nearly half resulted from drivers hitting trees and other fixed objects off the roadway. More than half were not wearing seat belts.
The Hampton Roads city with the greatest reduction in crashes over the past decade is Portsmouth, with a 78 percent drop since 2001. James City County was one of two jurisdictions that posted an increase, with 36 percent more.
The most common driver behavior that led to accidents in Hampton Roads over the past two years was following too closely, causing more than a fourth of all accidents, according to the draft Hampton Roads Regional Safety Study. Other factors are distracted driving, not yielding to other vehicles and failing to maintain vehicle control.
High on many drivers’ minds is cellphone use, both calling and texting, and how much it is to blame.
Nichols said that’s difficult to know because it’s pretty much self-reported by drivers. Which, he said, means it’s under- reported.
“It’s the big elephant in the room,” he said.
Debbie Messina, (757) 446-2588, debbie.messina@pilotonline.com
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Still dangerous out there!
People are learning how to navigate among the idiots? Maybe the roads are safer, enforcement is working, violators are off the road, or the idiots are gone as a result of a car wreck! Insurance ompanies may be playing a part with increased rates for violators?
The Real Story
Everyone here should remember this article the next time the VASP mobilizes 75% of their work force for one of their extortion campaigns (Operation Air Land and Speed) under the guise that speeding is public enemy #1, the biggest problem in Hampton Roads, the cause of all the problems in the world, etc. The data speaks for itself, and you heard it here “The most common driver behavior that led to accidents in Hampton Roads over the past two years was following too closely…” Remember this fact.
Study
Numbers are down, because because so many are out or work, less commmuters, less going out to shop, less errands, etc. It all trickles down. The recessions started in 2007, which is when accidents really started downtrending. Plus I think more people are driving without insurance because they can't afford it, hence they drive extra cautious, I know, we have been hit twice (not our fault), both un-insured.
First Off
seatbelt use or non-use does not cause accidents. Secondly, just as crime report results were reversed because it was under-reported, this report will be also. If you change the reporting criteria midway you're going to get different results. News Flash: accidents are actually way up in the area! Source: regional insurance claims.
Thirdly
ALL rear end accidents result in "following too close", regardless of the actual reason for hitting someone. It does NOT mean the vehicle was actually traveling less than one, two, or more vehicle lengths behind. Actual, detailed facts are now a thing of the past these days. We generalize on reports, than analyze from these incomplete, generalized reports, and try to compare them to reports completed correctly years ago. Sorry, it doesn't work.
who cares?
Articles like this really seem to get my britches in a twist. I actually don't even care if the crashes are down or not. One every 23 minutes? Wow, how spectacular...I feel much safer now... me and my children.
It's still a miserable place to drive, with some of the stupidest, rudest people on the planet. And my favorite punchline, "hey, it's not the locals...it's all the people from out of the area...it's the NAVY'. That is laughable. It's EVERYONE, locals included. I haven't met a local yet that uses turn signals or wouldn't take your front bumper off to get that perfect "next spot one car ahead of the other poor slob" in the line to get on/off the freeway. Go back to someplace like Montana, Oregon, or the vast majority of the West save for CA a
You don't get out much
I AM a local and resent your remark that we do not use signals or wouldn't take a bumper off to get one car ahead. I have been driving in this area for over 30 years (being a local and all), and I ALWAYS use signals. I also do not believe in the get one car closer. Just because a car has VA plates DOES NOT make them a local. If the idiots that think getting one car closer in a line of traffic, would only obey the "rules of the road" including not crossing solid white lines, not stopping in through traffic lanes to cut in line, or driving in areas not meant for driving (along with a whole list of other offenses), then there would be a lot fewer accidents and traffic would actually flow. DMV has driver's manuals available.
Wait till it snows...
It will look like a demolition derby in Kansas at the fairgrounds yearly Rodeo!! Now that's what i call Stimulus Money bill and jobs bill for car sales and repair, but on the plus side it fills up potholes until it thaws, thus more stimulus money!!
Seatbelt use and reverse psychology
I think we should try reverse psychology to get those last few holdouts to wear their seatbelts. How's this for a public awareness campaign slogan?
Seatbelts are the leading cause of ejection seat malfunction. Next time you get behind the wheel, think twice before you buckle up.
gater country
Tidewater, home of the tailgater. It's maddening to watch them, especially from your rear view mirror.
Wonder how many preemtive tickets get issued for following too close ? Let me guess, next to none. The cops are guilty of it as well.