Critics of Va. Abusive-Driver Fees Point to Increase in Traffic Deaths

Officials said a steep increase in the number of motorcycle fatalities contributed to the total. Last year, 62 motorcyclists had died in crashes as of Nov. 5. At the same time this year, 116 had died.

"The pattern we've seen is men in their 40s and 50s on leisure and touring bikes," said Corinne Geller, a spokeswoman for Virginia State Police. "What's happening is you've got too much bike, too much power."

Geller also noted that fatalities on interstate highways have decreased while those on primary and secondary roads have increased, perhaps a result of urban sprawl.

"More people move out to rural areas, and they're driving on those narrow two-lane roads," she said.

The state has not finalized a breakdown of where this year's fatalities have occurred.

As the year ends and drivers head out for New Year's Eve festivities, traffic and safety officials emphasized the need for drivers to buckle up, share the road, abstain from drugs and alcohol, obey speed limits and avoid using such distractions as cellphones and MP3 players -- five of the leading causes of fatal accidents, they said.

And as for the fees, opponents said they were not surprised at the apparent lack of impact on road deaths, saying that the law's primary intent was to raise transportation funds.

"There's some questionable issues about whether it's even really addressing any dangerous activity," said Corinne J. Magee, a McLean lawyer who has argued that the fees are unconstitutional. "A lot of these fees go to things that really have nothing to do with dangerousness. Operating a motor vehicle without a valid operator's license has nothing to do with dangerous driving behavior. If my license has expired and I forgot to renew it, that doesn't mean I'm a bad driver."

Staff researcher Meg Smith contributed to this report.