RICHMOND - A startling increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities is being reported in the Fairfax region, according to preliminary statistics from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
In 2022, 56 pedestrians were killed as a result of crashes in the Fairfax region, compared to 37 in 2021. This is an increase of 51%. Overall, based on preliminary numbers, there were 203 traffic-related fatalities in the region in 2022, a 3% increase compared to 2021.
DMV also notes increases in both mature driver and speed-related fatalities locally in 2022. The chart below lists preliminary crash statistics for the Fairfax region as of December 31. DMV's Fairfax region encompasses the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Manassas and Manassas Park, and the counties of Arlington, Caroline, Essex, Fairfax, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Loudoun, Middlesex, New Kent, Northumberland, Prince William, Richmond, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Westmoreland.
"We provide this data to give folks a look at what's going on right now in their communities. We hope drivers will be motivated to make a change and put a stop to the behaviors that we know contribute to these devastating crashes," said Acting DMV Commissioner Linda Ford, the Governor's Highway Safety Representative. "Each of these numbers represents a real person and many are people in your community. We all have the power to make a difference by watching vigilantly for pedestrians, buckling up, slowing down and never driving distracted or impaired."
Throughout the Commonwealth in 2022, 1,003 people died in crashes, a 4% increase compared to 2021. (Please note these statistics are preliminary.)
Editor's Note: Fully customizable data is available through TREDS.