The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles reported 1,005 fatal crashes in the state in 2022 with a total of 122,434 accidents. While some of these situations may be the result of simple mistakes, many have a link to reckless driving.
Encountering a reckless driver on Virginia roads can be unnerving, but taking action to report such behavior can help ensure the safety of everyone on the road. If you find yourself in a situation where you witness someone driving erratically or taking dangerous actions, it is important to know how to report it responsibly.
Maintain your safety first
To ensure you can make a proper report, you need to stay safe. Keep your distance from the reckless driver and never attempt to engage with them. Move to a safe place where you can document information about the vehicle and driver, such as the make and model of the car, the license plate and a general description of the driver. You should also get to a place where you can safely use your phone to contact authorities.
Call law enforcement
In Virginia, you can dial #77 and report reckless driving to the State Police. If you are within a city, you can also call the non-emergency line for local authorities. If the vehicle is posing a threat to public safety that is putting lives at risk, do not hesitate to call 911.
Remember that your role as a witness is to provide information, not to intervene directly. Law enforcement professionals have the training to handle such situations safely and effectively. By reporting reckless driving responsibly, you contribute to the collective effort to maintain road safety in Virginia.