Highway Safety Group Gives Virginia a Low Rating

The Associated Press, in an article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch, reports that Virginia gets a low rating from a highway safety advocacy group because it doesn't have laws a primary seat belt enforcement law and several other measures.

A report released Wednesday by Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety gives Virginia a red rating. That means the commonwealth has fewer than seven of the 15 laws that the group considers optimal for highway safety. According to the report, Virginia lacks restrictions on teen drivers and a ban on texting by all drivers. The commonwealth also needs tougher impaired driver laws.

The report says motor vehicle accidents cost Virginia's economy $5.2 billion annually.

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