Crash Statistics

Traffic crashes include collisions of a motor vehicle with another motor vehicle, person, bicycle or stationary object. In 2022, the Ashland Police Department responded to 312 crashes compared to 300 crashes in 2021.  In 2022, the Ashland Police Department investigated 100 reportable crashes compared to 127 reportable crashes investigated in 2021.  The number of reportable crashes decreased by twenty-one percent compared to the previous year.

The total number of crashes involving parties in 2022 was 46 compared to 47 for the previous year.

There was one fatal crash in the Town of Ashland for the year of 2022 at the intersection of Route 1 and Junction Drive.

Enforcement

APD conducted 2,516 traffic stops and issued 1,614 summonses for traffic and vehicle related violations in 2022. The number of traffic stop conducted increased by fifty-seven percent and the number of summonses issued increased by about forty-one percent compared to 2021. 

DUI Enforcement

APD made 13 arrests for DUI/DUID in 2022 which was an increase from 10 in 2021. One crash involving driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol was investigated in 2022 compared to five in 2021.

Move Over...It's the Law

Virginia law states you must move over and change lanes of, if it is unsafe to change lanes, proceed with caution and maintain a safe speed for highway conditions. As the number of distractions to driving grows every day, the job of law enforcement, emergency personnel, and highway workers has become even more dangerous. 

Protect those who protect you...it's not only safe for everyone, it's the law.

Crosswalk Safety Initiative

The Ashland Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of pedestrians. You will see officers focusing on crosswalk safety making sure the roads are safe for everyone. 

^{10 Walking Safety Tips}

^{1. Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
 2. Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
 3. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
 4. Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
 5. Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
 6. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safety; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
 7. Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
 8. Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
 9. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
 10. Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
 
 9 Driving Safety Tips
 1. Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Safety is a shared responsibility.
 2. Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
 3. Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
 4. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the cross-walk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
 5. Never Pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you can’t see.
 6. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
 7. Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street.
 8. Follower slower speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
 9. Be extra cautious when backing up—pedestrians can move into your path.}

U Text, U Drive, U Pay

In 2021, Virginia adopted a handsfree law. Virginia law prohibits drivers from holding cell phones or any other wireless communication devices while driving except in a driver emergency or the vehicles is lawfully parked or stopped. In 2022, APD officers issued 130 summonses for hand-free violations.

_{Rail safety is everyone’s concern and we offer the following safety tips courtesy of Operation Lifesaver (www.oli.org)}:

_{• Trains and cars don't mix. Never race a train to the crossing — even if you tie, you lose. 
 • The train you see is closer and faster-moving than you think. If you see a train approaching, wait for it to go by before you proceed across the tracks. 
 • Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly. Even if the locomotive engineer sees you, a freight train moving at 55 miles per hour can take a mile or more to stop once the emergency brakes are applied. That's 18 football fields! 
 • Never drive around lowered gates — it's illegal and deadly. If you suspect a signal is malfunctioning, call the emergency number posted on or near the crossing signal or your local law enforcement agency. 
 • Do not get trapped on the tracks; proceed through a highway-rail grade crossing only if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping. Remember, the train is three feet wider than the tracks on both sides. 
 • If your vehicle ever stalls on the tracks, get out and get away from the tracks, even if you do not see a train. Locate the Emergency Notification System sign and call the number provided, telling them about the stalled vehicle. If a train is approaching, run toward the train but away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle. If you run in the same direction a train is traveling, you could be injured by flying debris. 
 • At a multiple track crossing waiting for a train to pass, watch out for a second train on the other tracks, approaching from either direction.
 • When you need to cross train tracks, go to a designated crossing, look both ways, and cross the tracks quickly, without stopping. Remember it isn't safe to stop closer than 15 feet from a rail. 
 • ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN! Freight trains do not follow set schedules.}  
 

 To report a speeding problem click here Version OptionsTraffic SafetyHeadlineMove Over… It’s the LawThe Town of Ashland reminds motorists when you see red, blue, or amber flashing lights on a stationary vehicle, you must move over and change lanes or, if it is unsafe to change lanes, proceed with caution and maintain a safe speed for highway conditions.As the number of distractions to driving grows every day, the job of law enforcement, emergency personnel, and highway workers has become even more dangerous. Protect those who protect you… it's not only safe for everyone, it's the law. APD Crosswalk Safety Initiative The Ashland Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of pedestrians.  You will see officers focusing on crosswalk safety making sure the roads are safe for everyone.   10 Walking Safety Tips 1. Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals. 2. Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. 3. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible. 4. Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road. 5. Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right. 6. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safety; continue watching for traffic as you cross. 7. Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen. 8. Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night. 9. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots. 10. Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.  9 Driving Safety Tips 1. Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Safety is a shared responsibility. 2. Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather. 3. Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk. 4. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the cross-walk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too. 5. Never Pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you can’t see. 6. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 7. Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street. 8. Follower slower speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present. 9. Be extra cautious when backing up—pedestrians can move into your path. If you have any questions, please call the Ashland Police Department 804-412-0600. Ashland PD Announces R.I.D.E. Traffic Safety InitiativeThe Ashland Police Department announces the Roadway & Intersection Directed Enforcement (R.I.D.E.) traffic safety initiative.Data collected in 2018 indicates an increase in motor vehicle crashes in Ashland, with a 32% increase in reportable crashes in the April to June period. Additionally, crashes involving injury increased 100% during that time.In the past, the majority of crashes in Town occurred at three main intersections, however, crashes are now occurring more frequently at many of our less travelled intersections and on our residential roadways.Beginning this month, Ashland police officers will be conducting increased, proactive traffic enforcement throughout Town, with a special emphasis on those violations most associated with vehicle crashes and injuries: driving under the influence of alcohol, and stop sign, traffic light, failure to yield and seat belt/child seat violations.The Ashland Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike and asks that you drive safely at all times. Residents with questions or traffic safety concerns may call 798-1227 or make a report on our website at www.ashlandpolice.us.Move Over… It’s the LawAPD Crosswalk Safety Initiative The Ashland Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of pedestrians.  You will see officers focusing on crosswalk safety making sure the roads are safe for everyone.Ashland PD Announces R.I.D.E. Traffic Safety InitiativeRail safety is everyone’s concern and we offer the following safety tips courtesy of Operation Lifesaver (www.oli.org): • Trains and cars don't mix. Never race a train to the crossing — even if you tie, you lose.  • The train you see is closer and faster-moving than you think. If you see a train approaching, wait for it to go by before you proceed across the tracks.  • Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly. Even if the locomotive engineer sees you, a freight train moving at 55 miles per hour can take a mile or more to stop once the emergency brakes are applied. That's 18 football fields!  • Never drive around lowered gates — it's illegal and deadly. If you suspect a signal is malfunctioning, call the emergency number posted on or near the crossing signal or your local law enforcement agency.  • Do not get trapped on the tracks; proceed through a highway-rail grade crossing only if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping. Remember, the train is three feet wider than the tracks on both sides.  • If your vehicle ever stalls on the tracks, get out and get away from the tracks, even if you do not see a train. Locate the Emergency Notification System sign and call the number provided, telling them about the stalled vehicle. If a train is approaching, run toward the train but away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle. If you run in the same direction a train is traveling, you could be injured by flying debris.  • At a multiple track crossing waiting for a train to pass, watch out for a second train on the other tracks, approaching from either direction. • When you need to cross train tracks, go to a designated crossing, look both ways, and cross the tracks quickly, without stopping. Remember it isn't safe to stop closer than 15 feet from a rail.  • ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN! Freight trains do not follow set schedules.   Crash StatisticsPrograms.

Special Programs

Other traffic safety programs offered by APD are:

• Child safety seat checks

• Crash reduction education

• Distracted driving education

• Impaired driving education

• Traffic Stop Education

Helpful Links

• Code of Virginia
• Help Eliminate Auto Theft (HEAT)
• Virginia DMV
• Virginia Smart Safe and Sober
• National Highway Traffic safety Administration