Virginia is taking a number of innovative approaches to address the issue of reckless driving. These include:

  • Using technology to identify and track reckless drivers. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is using a variety of data sources, including traffic cameras, police reports, and crash data, to identify and track reckless drivers. This information is then used to target enforcement efforts and provide interventions to drivers who are at risk of engaging in reckless behavior. Reckless Driving in Virginia
  • Implementing a graduated driver licensing program. Virginia's graduated driver licensing (GDL) program is designed to help new drivers develop the skills and experience they need to drive safely. The program requires new drivers to complete a period of supervised driving before they can obtain a full license.
  • Providing educational and behavioral interventions. The DMV offers a variety of educational and behavioral interventions for reckless drivers. These interventions can help drivers understand the risks of reckless driving and develop the skills and knowledge they need to make safer choices behind the wheel.
  • Enacting stricter penalties for reckless driving. Virginia has some of the strictest penalties in the country for reckless driving. These penalties can include jail time, fines, and license suspension.
  • Using in-vehicle monitoring systems. In-vehicle monitoring systems (IVMS) are devices that can be installed in vehicles to monitor driver behavior. These systems can track things like speed, acceleration, and hard braking. IVMS can be used to identify reckless drivers and provide interventions to help them improve their driving habits.

These are just a few of the innovative things that Virginia is doing to address the issue of reckless driving. These efforts are helping to make Virginia's roads safer for everyone.

Here are some additional details about each of these initiatives:

  • Using technology to identify and track reckless drivers. The DMV is using a number of data sources to identify and track reckless drivers. These data sources include:
    • Traffic cameras: Virginia has a network of traffic cameras that can capture images of vehicles that are speeding or running red lights.
    • Police reports: Police officers are required to report all incidents of reckless driving.
    • Crash data: The DMV collects data on all crashes in Virginia. This data can be used to identify drivers who are involved in a disproportionate number of crashes.
  • Implementing a graduated driver licensing program. Virginia's GDL program requires new drivers to complete the following steps:
    • Learner's permit: New drivers must obtain a learner's permit before they can begin driving with a licensed adult.
    • Provisional license: After completing a period of supervised driving, new drivers can obtain a provisional license. Provisional drivers are not allowed to drive at night or with passengers under the age of 18.
    • Full license: After completing the GDL program, new drivers can obtain a full license.
  • Providing educational and behavioral interventions. The DMV offers a variety of educational and behavioral interventions for reckless drivers. These interventions can include:
    • Reckless driving classes: These classes teach drivers about the dangers of reckless driving and the laws that prohibit it.
    • Driver improvement clinics: These clinics provide drivers with personalized instruction on how to improve their driving habits.
    • Ignition interlock devices: These devices are installed in vehicles to prevent drivers from starting their vehicles if they have been drinking alcohol. 
    • Reckless Driving in Virginia
  • Enacting stricter penalties for reckless driving. Virginia has some of the strictest penalties in the country for reckless driving. These penalties include:
    • Jail time: Drivers who are convicted of reckless driving can face up to a year in jail.
    • Fines: Drivers who are convicted of reckless driving can face fines of up to $500.
    • License suspension: Drivers who are convicted of reckless driving can have their licenses suspended for up to six months.
  • Using in-vehicle monitoring systems. IVMS can be used to identify reckless drivers and provide interventions to help them improve their driving habits. IVMS can track things like:
    • Speed
    • Acceleration
    • Hard braking
    • Turning signals
    • Seatbelt use

IVMS data can be used to identify drivers who are engaging in risky behaviors. This information can then be used to provide drivers with feedback and interventions to help them improve their driving habits.