While there was a significant decline in traffic volume in 2020, statistics released recently by the Governor’s Executive Leadership Team on Highway Safety show a mixed bag in terms of accidents.

While serious injuries declined by 5 percent compared to 2019, the number of overall crash fatalities in the commonwealth increased by 2 percent, with 847 fatalities reported compared to 827 in 2019.

Speed-related fatalities increased to the highest number in at least 10 years with 406 fatalities reported, a 16 percent jump over 2019 fatalities. The number of people who weren’t wearing their seat belt killed as a result of crashes also increased in 2020, with 343 fatalities reported compared to 304 in 2019.

Led by the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, the Governor’s Executive Leadership Team is composed of representatives from the Virginia Departments of Motor Vehicles, Health, Education, Transportation and State Police. They are ch...