The Ashland Police Department’s traffic safety unit studied areas where a high volume of crashes occurred during the previous year. In 2010, the department implemented the A.C.U.T.E. (Addressing Complaints Using Technology and Enforcement) program. This program identifies areas where a speeding problem exists, educates the public about the posted speed limit, and, if necessary, results in directed enforcement in that area. The department utilizes citizen input to help determine locations where speeding is an issue.

During 2010, the Ashland Police Department had an increase in reportable crashes compared to 2009. The total number of reportable crashes in 2010 was 119, compared to 109 reportable crashes investigated in 2009. The number of crashes increased by nine percent (9%) compared to the previous year.

The Ashland Police Department investigated six (6) crashes involving driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol in 2010, compared to seven (7) crashes in 2009. The number of these drug/alcohol related crashes decreased by fourteen percent (-14%) over the previous year. The department participated in the Smart Safe and Sober program and the Click it or Ticket program. During these programs, the department conducted four (4) DUI/ License Checkpoints and one (1) Child Seat Checkpoint as a part of our effort to decrease alcohol and drug related driving incidents.

For 2010, the Ashland Police Department conducted 4,759 traffic stops and issued 2,834 summonses for traffic or vehicle related violations. In 2009, the Department issued 2,909 summonses for traffic or vehicle related violations. The number of summonses issued decreased by three percent (-3%) compared to the previous year.

The Ashland Police Department participated in the statewide Click it or Ticket Program and won the ‘Most Improved Seat Belt Usage Award’ presented by the Department of Motor Vehicles. The department also conducted two (2) Bike Rodeos in which certified bike patrol officers educated children on bike safety on the roadway. Bike patrol officers also handed out free helmets that the department received from a grant to those who attended.

In 2010, The Ashland Police Department received two awards related to traffic safety. The department received 1st place in the state for the Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge. The Law Enforcement Challenge evaluates agencies programs and strategies to promote public awareness, public education, and enforcement efforts to increase public safety on the roadway.

The police department also was the 2010 recipient of the Governor’s Transportation Safety Award for general traffic safety. The award recognized the Ashland Police Department for extraordinary contributions to transportation safety because the department reduced vehicle crashes by an average of 15% each year from 2007 to 2009.

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