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Virginia Legal News

Spike in Number of Car Accident Deaths in Chesapeake

There have been 19 auto accident fatalities in Chesapeake, Virginia since the start of 2011. The death toll from Chesapeake motor vehicle crashes has almost tripled since 2010 - and the year's not over yet.

• 14 of the collisions were caused by driver error. 
• The deaths have taken place throughout the city, from the rural roads to the busy intersections. 
• 3 of the fatalities involved pedestrians 
• 6 of the crashes involved alcohol. 
• 8 of those who died were under the age of 30.

According to Chesapeake Lieutenant Johnny Day, there is no one specific reason for so many deaths this year. However, other cities in the Hampton Roads area have not seen such an increase.

• In Portsmouth there have been 7 fatalities from car crashes in 2011, compared to 5 in 2010.
• In Norfolk there have been 8 fatalities so far, which is one more than in 2010.
• Virginia Beach has also seen a slight increase in the number of deaths due to motor vehicle accidents. So far there have been 19 fatalities, which is 2 more than in 2010. 
• Suffolk, however, has seen a decrease in the number of fatalities since 2010.

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the significant rise in the total number of deaths in Chesapeake is not the norm in the Commonwealth. In fact, the number of fatalities due to motor vehicle crashes has been decreasing steadily throughout Virginia for the past few years.

According to Day, Chesapeake is starting to become more aggressive with traffic safety and enforcement for speeding and seatbelt use. This is partially due to the number of deaths this year involving one or both of these issues. An emphasis has been placed on driving while under the influence as well. In addition, Day indicated that enforcement will be increased over the upcoming 2011 holidays.

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