On behalf of the Virginia Traffic Safety Study Commission, I transmit herewith, in accord with Chapter 708* of the 1966 Acts of Assembly, the findings and recommendations of a comprehensive study of traffic safety needs in Virginia. This report is the result of the most intensive study of this problem ever conducted in the Commonwealth. In addition to the nineteen Commission members, dozens of knowledgeable Virginians participated actively in the study, representing civic, business and professional organizations, as well as local governmental agencies.** Numerous State officials involved in the administration of Virginia's current traffic safety efforts gave full cooperation and assistance to the Commission.

Immediately following its organizational meeting, the Commission divided its work among seven study committees. From four to seven qualified and knowledgeable outside ex.perts and two or three members of the Commission served on each committee. Using the Action Program of the President's Committee for Traffic Safety as a starting point, the work of the Commission was divided among the committees, each being assigned one of the following areas: government and citizen organization, public information and research; uniform laws; driver education; motor vehicle administration; the incompetent driver and emergency medical services; enforcement; and engineering.

Each committee reported to the full Commission its findings and recommendations this past spring. The reports of the committees were made public and their suggested recommendations were fully discussed before the Commission during the course of seven public hearings held throughout the State in May.

Over 60 meetings, including eleven public hearings, have been held by the Commission and its study committees and subcommittees. Literally thousands of man-hours have been spent in the course of developing this report and program for meeting Virginia's traffic safety needs. A summary of specific recommendations offered and of the contents of the report is set forth immediately below and precedes the body of the report.

Respectfully submitted,

C. Harrison Mann, Jr.
Chairman

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*See Appendix I for the text of Chapter 708.
**See Appendix II for the list of individuals assisting the Commission in its work.