Safety Office Focuses on Aggressive Driving, Motorcycle and Bike Safety, Child Seats

Mar 10, 2014 | Auto Accidents

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is charged with regulating drivers on the state’s roads, and one arm of DMV is the Virginia Highway Safety Office. Among other things, the Highway Safety Office conducts campaigns to inform the public of important traffic safety laws.

The Highway Safety Office’s safety programs include efforts to reduce aggressive driving, improve safety for motorcyclists and bicyclists and encourage the appropriate use of child safety seats.

Aggressive Drivers

The safety office offers these recommendations if you encounter an aggressive driver:

  • Do not allow the aggressive driver to make you upset. Do not make eye contact or yell at an angry or unsafe driver. Focus on staying in control of your own vehicle. If the aggressive driver starts to follow you, go to a police station instead of going home or to your destination.
  • Make sure that everyone in your vehicle is buckled up.
  • Call the police. The Virginia State Police cite aggressive drivers on Virginia interstates. Dial #77 to report aggressive and unsafe drivers.
  • Do not respond to provocation from aggressive drivers. Just try to safely get away from them.

Motorcycle and Bicycle Riders

In crashes involving motorcycles and in bicycle accidents, riders are particularly vulnerable to injuries. Authorities offer the following safety tips for motorcyclists and bike riders:

  • Wear an appropriate helmet to protect yourself from traumatic brain injuries. Wear tough clothing, and do not leave skin exposed. Motorcyclists in particular need to wear the right clothes. Sturdy pants, jackets, footwear, eye protection, and a helmet are a must.
  • Obey all traffic laws and use signals in traffic so other drivers know which way you are traveling.
  • Watch for road hazards and large vehicles. Buses and large trucks have significant blind spots, and a bicyclist or motorcycle rider can vanish from the driver’s view entirely within the “no zones”.
  • Motorcyclists are required by Virginia law to get special operator licenses.

Child Safety Seats

Children are also vulnerable in car accidents. Appropriate child safety seats are a must, and Virginians are encouraged to:

  • Gather good information about the right size child seat for young passengers. From rear-facing infant seats to boosters for kids in grade school, using the right safety seat is critical to keeping kids safe.
  • Never hold a child on your lap while traveling.
  • Make sure that child safety seats are tightened appropriately, latched properly, and in the right part of the vehicle before getting underway.
  • Never put the shoulder strap under the child’s arm or behind the child’s back.

Geoff McDonald and Associates: 804-888-8888.

FREE CONSULTATION

No Fees Unless We Win







    How Failed Motorcycle Inspections Can Impact Your Accident Case

    According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Virginia is home to nearly 200,000 registered motorcycles. If you own one, you’ll need to arrange to have an annual motorcycle inspection performed to help avoid liability in case of a potential motorcycle...

    How Long After a Car Accident Can Injuries Appear?

    In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, you might feel fine and not think you sustained any significant injuries. You might even refuse medical treatment on the scene of a car crash because you don’t sense anything is wrong. But you might be surprised to...

    How To Secure a Police Report for a Car Accident: A Complete Guide

    The first thing you should do after being involved in a car accident is call 911. A 911 operator can send police out to the accident scene to investigate your crash and create a police report. From there, it’s up to you to figure out how to secure a police...

    How Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Virginia?

    In 2022, over 2,000 motorcycle crashes occurred in Virginia, accounting for only 1.7% of all traffic collisions but over 10% of serious traffic injuries. If you’re a rider, you should be extra careful on the roads and avoid the motorcycle collision causes we mention...

    How Are Truck Accidents Different From Car Accidents in Virginia?

    Power trucking accidents are one of the most dangerous types of road accidents, and they differ significantly from car accidents in several ways. The most apparent difference between a truck and a car is their size and weight. Trucks are much bigger and heavier than...

    Our Case Results

    $4,700,000
    Industrial Plant Accident

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Jeffrey A. Breit and Justin M. Sheldon Our client was killed in an industrial accident when an unauthorized worker was operating an overhead crane and pinned our client between…

    $1,750,000
    Rear-End Crash

    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury, facial trauma, a dislocated hip and severe abdominal trauma when she was rear-ended at a traffic light by a tractor trailer. Suit was commenced shortly after…

    $1,250,000
    Assault of Log Truck Driver

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Geoffrey R. McDonald, Frank H. Hupfl, Justin M. Sheldon.
    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury after being assaulted and knocked to the ground while fueling his logging…

    $860,000
    Drunk Driving Crash

    Our client suffered neck/head trauma and a broken wrist after his vehicle was struck by a drunk driver while he was stopped at a traffic light. Upon rejection of a settlement offer of $325,000, our litigation…

    $700,000
    Rear-End Collision

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Justin M. Sheldon and Geoff R. McDonald, Richmond
    GMA’s client was injured as a result of a rear-end collision in the greater Richmond area. The crash occurred a little after…

    Client Reviews

    Cheryl and Rich were wonderful and patient with me throughout the case. All of my questions were answered. They really helped me through this tough time and made sure to let me know what was going on. I really thank Geoff…

    Troy Saxby

    My experience with GMA staff was first rate. They always represented in a professional way and made sure I had everything as far as paperwork. Kara and Theo made sure to answer all my questions, was always available and so…

    Shirley Brown

    Geoff McDonald & Associates is the team that you want on the field if you’re in need of top notch legal defense! Mr. Taj Henley demonstrated true customer service skills and his expertise made me feel comfortable throughout the…

    Julian Reeves

    Geoff McDonald & Associates: Thank you Taj Henley for all of your hard work and dedication! Very expeditious in my case and I was very satisfied with my settlement. Will recommend to all my friends and family!

    Shareema Williams

    Geoff is number one in my book and I especially appreciate the support of Mr Henley

    Ebony Conwell

    I was so pleased with the knowledge and support from Mr. Taj Henley

    Kideem Frierson

    Thank you Geoff McDonald &Associates. A special thank you to Mr. Taj Henley

    Denise Conwell

    Mr. Taj Henley displays exceptional professionalism for Geoff McDonald & Associates, along with commendable communication skills and customer service. By his work ethic and commitment to the people he serves his value to any…

    Justin Fitzgerald