5 Bizarre Reasons for Car Accidents in Virginia

Virginia saw over 120,000 traffic accidents in just one year. That’s more than 300 crashes every single day. And sure, a lot of that comes from regular bad driving habits, such as running red lights or changing lanes without looking. But the deeper you dig into it, the more you realize there’s this whole other category of car crashes that are just plain bizarre.

If you’ve ever been hit by someone who didn’t yield, you already know how frustrating it is because you were literally following the law and still ended up with a busted car. In situations like that, you’ll want to hire a Virginia car accident attorney to make sure you’re not the one paying for someone else’s lack of basic traffic knowledge.

1. People Who Don’t Know What “Yield” Means

You know how roundabouts are supposed to keep traffic flowing smoothly? In theory, they’re great. But in Virginia, they’ve become one of the most common spots for ridiculous accidents. Why? Because people don’t yield.

Yield signs aren’t suggestions. They literally mean “slow down and give way to other cars.” But apparently, some drivers either missed that day in driver’s ed or just don’t care. So, they barrel right into roundabouts, intersections, or merging lanes without giving anyone else a chance. 

This kind of crash is especially dangerous at spots like multi-lane roads or freeway entrances, where everyone’s going fast, and you don’t have time to react. It’s a common cause of T-bone collisions, which are some of the most serious because they often hit the driver or passenger side directly. And sadly, in Virginia, this happens way more than it should.

2. The Unpredictable Wildlife Encounter

Virginia is home to a wide variety of wildlife, from white-tailed deer to wild turkeys and even black bears. While seeing these creatures can be thrilling, they’re also a common cause of car accidents in Virginia. These animals are not always easy to spot, especially in rural areas or on highways where trees and bushes can block your view. 

In rural parts of Virginia, especially during the fall months when deer are most active, these types of accidents happen frequently. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) reports that there are thousands of deer-related car crashes every year. 

3. Tailgaters Who Think They’re in a Fast & Furious Movie

Tailgating might just be one of the dumbest and most dangerous habits on Virginia roads. There’s always that one driver who pulls up way too close behind you, acting like breathing down your neck is going to make traffic move faster.

But guess what? When you’re following someone too closely and they hit the brakes, there’s no time to react. You crash, and that’s the end of your story.

Tailgating causes a ton of rear-end collisions, and in Virginia, that usually means whiplash, busted bumpers, and insurance nightmares. And it’s completely preventable. All people have to do is leave a few car lengths of space. But no, some folks would rather pretend they’re on a racetrack.

This kind of crash can cause property damage and also leave you with permanent neck or back injuries. 

4. Road Rage

Road rage is another bizarre cause of accidents. In these situations, drivers may make aggressive moves, such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or even engaging in physical altercations with other drivers. This kind of behavior can escalate quickly and result in a violent crash.

Virginia law recognizes road rage as a serious issue. Drivers who engage in dangerous and aggressive driving can be held accountable for their reckless actions.

5. People Who Drive Like They’re Invincible

Reckless driving is the umbrella term for everything from speeding to ignoring stop signs to trying to beat yellow lights. It’s probably the most frustrating reason for accidents in Virginia because it covers so many stupid decisions that people know are dangerous but still make anyway.

Reckless drivers think traffic laws are optional. They speed through neighborhoods, run red lights, and tailgate on the freeway like it’s no big deal. But when they lose control or can’t react in time, someone else usually pays the price. Sometimes it’s a minor crash. Other times, it’s a fatal one.

In 2022 alone, over 1,000 people died in Virginia car accidents, and a massive portion of those were caused by distracted, drunk, or reckless drivers.

And what’s worse is how many of these drivers are just flat-out inexperienced. Teenagers, new drivers, or people who just don’t take road safety seriously. They forget to signal, drive too fast in the rain, or zone out at the wheel. One small mistake from someone like that can lead to someone else’s worst day.