To find Virginia's most dangerous roadways, MoneyGeek analyzed the 2,348 fatal crashes that occurred from 2018 to 2020 using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Our study focused on 952 roadways out of Virginia's 164,132 miles of road.
We also explored the factors involved in fatal accidents in Virginia, such as drunk driving, speeding, distracted driving and time of year. Additionally, MoneyGeek collected data on the most dangerous roads in each county.
Key Findings
- I-64 from Exit 261A to Exit 264 is the deadliest stretch of road in Virginia. Between 2018–2020, 11 fatal accidents occurred here.
- Drunk driving was the most common factor involved in fatal accidents, followed by speeding. Drunk driving or speeding was involved in 30.8% and 28.3% of these crashes, respectively.
- Distracted driving was involved in 13.8% of accidents. Virginia ranked as the 11th worst state in the U.S. for distracted driving fatalities, according to MoneyGeek’s distracted driving study.
- October had the most fatal accidents between 2018–2020. October had 238 accidents throughout the three-year period, followed by September (228) and June (207).
- Fairfax County had the highest number of deadly crashes of any county.
10 Deadliest Road Stretches in Virginia
- DEADLIEST ROAD IN VIRGINIAI-64 from Exit 258B to Exit 264Hampton
- Fatal Accidents:11
- fatalities:11
- Crashes Per Mile:3.3
- distance:3.3 miles
- Hull St. Rd. from Wayside Dr. to Evans St.Richmond
- Fatal Accidents:9
- fatalities:9
- Crashes Per Mile:1.9
- distance:4.9 miles
- Hampton Roads Beltway from Exit 281 to Exit 274Norfolk
- Fatal Accidents:8
- fatalities:8
- Crashes Per Mile:1.6
- distance:5.0 miles
- I-295 from Exit 41A to Exit 34BHanover County
- Fatal Accidents:8
- fatalities:8
- Crashes Per Mile:1.8
- distance:4.5 miles
- US-13 from Indian River Rd. to Baker Rd.Virginia Beach | Norfolk
- Fatal Accidents:7
- fatalities:8
- Crashes Per Mile:1.4
- distance:4.9 miles
- I-95 from Exit 160A to 166APrince William County | Fairfax County
- Fatal Accidents:7
- fatalities:7
- Crashes Per Mile:1.6
- distance:4.5 miles
- Mechanicsville Turnpike from Colter Dr. to Old Hickory Dr.Hanover County | Henrico County
- Fatal Accidents:7
- fatalities:7
- Crashes Per Mile:1.5
- distance:4.6 miles
- US-1 from Haden Ave. to Bellwood Rd.Richmond
- Fatal Accidents:7
- fatalities:7
- Crashes Per Mile:1.5
- distance:4.6 miles
- I-95 from Exit 92A to Old Ridge Rd.Hanover County
- Fatal Accidents:6
- fatalities:7
- Crashes Per Mile:1.4
- distance:4.4 miles
- Brock Rd. from Catharpin Rd. to Orange Plank Rd.Spotsylvania County
- Fatal Accidents:6
- fatalities:7
- Crashes Per Mile:1.3
- distance:4.6 miles
Drunk Driving Involved in 30.8% of Fatal Accidents
Of Virginia's 2,348 fatal car accidents between 2018 and 2020, 724 involved drunk driving. This contributes the most to driving-related fatalities in the state, outnumbering distracted driving, excessive speed and weather-related situations. This figure highlights how risky drunk driving may be.
It may not seem like it, but a small amount of alcohol can place you and others in danger. For instance, even a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02% can produce noticeable intoxication. In Virginia, a BAC of 0.08% is unlawful intoxication for driving.
While it may not always result in an accident, the consequences of drunk driving are severe. Penalties can include revocation of driving privileges, suspension of licenses and even imprisonment. Getting affordable car insurance in Virginia will be much more difficult if you are convicted of DUI. This is because Virginia requires SR-22 insurance, which will significantly increase the cost of your policy.
Speeding Is a Factor in 28.3% of Fatal Crashes
There were 664 speeding-related fatalities in Virginia from 2018 to 2020. Speeding was the second most common factor involved in fatal crashes in the state, present in 28.3% of all accidents.
Speeding endangers both yourself and others. If you're driving too fast, you may not be able to stop as soon as you need to; this can quickly result in accidents, damage and severe injury to yourself or others.
Distracted Driving Contributed to 13.8% of Fatal Accidents
Distracted driving is the third most common factor in fatal car accidents in Virginia. Between 2018 and 2020, 324 fatalities were linked to distraction-related accidents in Virginia or 13.8% of all fatal collisions in the state.
According to MoneyGeek's ranking of the worst states for distracted driving, Virginia ranked as the 11th worst state for distracted driving fatalities in the U.S.
October Had More Fatal Accidents Than Any Other Month
Between 2018 and 2020, more fatal accidents took place in October than in any other month. Two hundred thirty-eight accidents occurred in October, accounting for 10.1% of all deadly crashes over the three years analyzed.
September ranks as the second deadliest month, accounting for 9.7% of accidents or 228 total fatal crashes. Ranking third is June, with 207 (8.8%) fatal accidents.
Driving Safely Protects You, Others and Your Wallet
Driving safely is essential for your own safety and that of other drivers. Not only does this ensure your well-being, but it might also help you save money in the long term. There are times, however, when accidents cannot be avoided. Therefore, we recommend purchasing more insurance than the minimum liability limits in Virginia. With a full coverage auto insurance policy, you and your family can be better protected financially in the event of an accident.
Getting adequate car insurance coverage need not be expensive — Virginia's average cost of auto insurance is $790 per year. However, the actual cost may differ depending on where you live in the state. For example, the average annual cost of auto insurance in Alexandria is $843. On the other hand, car insurance in Newport News costs an average of $739 per year — $104 less than it does in Alexandria. In contrast, Virginia Beach’s auto insurance costs an average of $777 annually; Virginia Beach is the state's most populous city.
Note that while MoneyGeek collected premiums from all over the state of Virginia, these are only averages. Your auto insurance costs vary depending on certain criteria, like your age, driving record, location and more. To find the most affordable auto insurance provider for you, consider comparing quotes from multiple providers.
Fatal Accidents and Most Dangerous Roads: County Breakdown
The five counties with the highest number of fatal accidents in Virginia recorded a total of 433 fatal accidents. Statewide, they account for 18% of all fatal crashes. The most deadly accidents occurred in Fairfax, where 134 accidents occurred. A total of ten of these crashes in Fairfax occurred on US-1 and primarily involved speeding or drunk driving.
Methodology
MoneyGeek analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) database using fatality data from 2018, 2019 and 2020. Currently, 2020 is the latest data available in the system.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
sources
- National Highway Safety Administration. "Fatal Accident and Reporting System (FARS)." Accessed March 3, 2022.
- Federal Highway Administration. "Highway Statistics Series." Accessed November 1, 2021.