Motorcycle use in Northern Virginia has increased substantially in recent years. In 1994, there were just under 60,000 motorcycle registrations. In 2008, there were 177,147. With the increased popularity of motorcycles, however, also comes an increase in accidents and deaths. There were over 2,000 motorcycle accidents and 71 deaths in Virginia in 2009, and...
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Northern Virginia Fire that Caused $2 Million in Damage Blamed On Disposal of Smoking Materials
The improper disposal of smoking materials is the leading cause of fire deaths in the United States. In recent weeks, a number of such fires have occurred throughout the country. Improperly disposed charcoal briquettes led to a fire that burned down the storage shed of a Tennessee family. A Northern Virginia family lost...
Read MoreVirginia Police Report Fewer Drunk Drivers and Accidents over Labor Day Weekend
The recent Labor Day weekend proved to be a safer one for Northern Virginia drivers than last year’s holiday. Eight people died in car accidents, compared to fourteen who died last year. There were 378 accidents on Northern Virginia roads, which was a drop of...
Read MoreFairfax Teenager Killed in Electrical Accident while Trimming Trees
Unfortunately, accidents stemming from tree trimming remain all too common. A Washington man died last month when a falling tree part struck him on the head. A Richmond, Virginia worker died earlier in the year after a branch he was cutting fell onto a power line and electrocuted him. If negligence or poor safety...
Read MoreMultiple DUI Offender Kills Virginia Nun in Head-on Crash
At its peak in the early 1980s, drunk driving in Virginia killed around 600 people a year, accounting for half of all traffic deaths. Thanks to harsher fines, state-sponsored traffic and driving schools, and alcohol awareness programs, Northern Virginia has seen a decrease in drunk driving deaths since the 80s, but they continue...
Read MoreArlington Construction Worker Dies after Falling 7 Stories While Installing Balcony Railing
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that falls from heights are responsible for one-third of construction fatalities. Employers could have prevented many of these. Safety precautions that save lives are no mystery. Such things as personal fall arrest systems, guardrails, harnesses, and safety nets make construction work safer. Too often, however, workers...
Read MorePolice Suspect Alcohol Played Role in Weekend, High-Speed Boating Accident That Killed One, Injured Nine
Emergency responders described a boating accident in Northern Virginia a few weekends ago as one of the worst they have ever seen. The crash scene included shattered glass and fiberglass, severely injured people treading water holding onto steel marker beams to keep from floating away, and beer cans strewn about. One person died in...
Read MoreNew Virginia Laws Target Texting and E-mailing While Driving
Technology has made it easier than ever to stay in touch with friends and to keep up on what is going on in the world. Unfortunately, many people choose to use this technology irresponsibly and place their own lives and others’ lives in danger. A recent survey indicated that over a fourth of cell...
Read MoreVirginia Cities Installing Traffic Cameras, Accidents Expected to Increase
Red light cameras will soon be issuing tickets in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. Arlington and Alexandria have already installed the cameras, and, next month, Arlington will begin issuing tickets. Cities install the cameras citing improved safety and a better respect for traffic laws, but some statistics paint a different picture. The cameras...
Read MoreDriver in Fairfax Kills Cyclist on Bike Path
In 2008, Virginia had 13 fatal bicyclist accidents. Most accidents occur in urban areas where drivers and bicyclists are facing numerous distractions. Only a momentary lapse in attention by either party can have disastrous consequences for bicyclists, who are no match for the size and...
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