Data: How are we doing?

Crash Data

Vision Zero Crash Data Dashboard

To get the data on this dashboard, the VDOT Crash Analysis Tool was used to filter down to show crashes only for the City of Norfolk and crashes only on Norfolk streets (VDOT-owned roads were removed). The dashboard shows crash data in Norfolk from January 1, 2017 through the most recent dataset (updated approximately on a quarterly basis by VDOT).

Heat Maps

The images below display heat maps of 2024 crashes, categorized by type: vehicle-only crashes (left), pedestrian-involved crashes (middle), and bike-involved crashes (right). 

These maps highlight distinct hot spots for each crash type, illustrating that areas with frequent vehicle-only crashes may differ from those with recurring incidents involving bicyclists or pedestrians. This distinction helps identify specific areas where targeted safety interventions could be most effective for each mode of transportation.

Source: VDOT Public Crash Data

Vehicle Heat Map    Pedestrian Heat Map     Bike Heat Map

Bicycle crashes along the existing bike network

The map on the right shows bicycle crashes for 2020-2024 along existing bike facilities (bike lanes, sharrows/shared lane markings, and the Elizabeth River Trail). 

  • The total number of bicycle crashes reported within this 5-year period is 162.
  • 24 crashes occurred on the existing bike network.
    1. Separated, buffered bike lanes: 1
    2. Unbuffered bike lanes: 11
    3. Sharrows/shared lane markings: 12
  • Most of the bicycle crashes reported (138) occurred outside of the existing bike network. 
  • 104 (65%) of these crashes occurred at intersections. 

Along the key strategic corridors identified in the Norfolk Bicycle & Pedestrian Strategic Plan , 87 bicycle-involved crashes occurred from 2020-2024 with the following breakdown: Bike crashes 2020-2024

  • Corridor 1: Olney Rd. - Hospitals to Norfolk State University: 6 crashes
  • Corridor 2: Llewellyn Ave. and Lower Granby St. & Boush St. Alternatives: 18 crashes
  • Corridor 3: Granby St. - Willow Wood Dr. to Ocean View Ave: 7 crashes
  • Corridor 4: Harbor Park and Tide Station to Five Points: 1 crash
  • Corridor 5: Downtown-Old Dominion University-Naval Station Connector: 24 crashes
  • Corridor 6: Indian River Road - South Norfolk Connector: 0 crashes
  • Corridor 7: Cromwell Drive and Robin Hood Road Cross-City Connector: 5 crashes
  • Corridor 8: Cape Henry Trail Interim Route: 3 crashes
  • Corridor 9: Southside Bikeways: 1 crash
  • Corridor 10: Ocean View Avenue and Shore Drive East-West Connector: 6 crashes
  • Corridor 11: Ingleside Road Tide Station to Airport via Azalea Garden Road: 5 crashes
  • Corridor 12: Sewells Point Road and Chesapeake Boulevard Bikeway: 11 crashes

Top driver contributing factors for fatal crashes in Virginia and Norfolk in 2024

  • In 2024, the total number of crashes resulting in fatal and serious injuries that were recorded in Virginia was 6,792 (down from 6,960 in 2023).
  • The top contributing factor in all fatal and serious injury crashes in Virginia in 2024 was speeding-related at 32% of crashes.
  • In Norfolk, fatal and serious injury crashes increased from a total of 123 in 2023 to 136 crashes in 2024 on city roadways (excluding interstate).
  • Vehicle speeding was also the top contributing factors for fatal and severe injury crashes in Norfolk, making up 21%. The second highest factor was alcohol-related at 18%, slightly higher than the Commonwealth average of 16% in 2024.

Source: VDOT Crash Analysis Tool

Virginia 2024 Top Driving Behavioral Factors in Fatal and Severe Injury CrashesNorfolk 2024 Top Driving Behavioral Factors in Fatal and Severe Injury Crashes

Data Insight

While drivers in Norfolk are pretty good at buckling up according to the data, there are clear issues with speeding, alcohol impairment and distracted driving that impact roadway safety. Speed studies in targeted areas can reveal patterns and guide solutions like lower speed limits or traffic calming measures. Tackling impaired and distracted driving is challenging as it hinges more on individual choices. Targeted awareness campaigns or stronger accountability policies could help shift behavior. 

Ultimately, the most impactful way to reduce fatal and severe injury crashes is by improving the built environment. Even when drivers make mistakes, safety for vulnerable roadway users can be improved with guardrails, enhanced visibility pedestrian crossings, and protected bike lanes.

Norfolk Commuter Modes in 2019 and 2023

  • In 2019, the total number of commuters recorded in Norfolk was 131,994. By 2023, the number of commuters decreased by 5.9% to a total of 124,104.
  • Driving alone has remained the most common mode of commuting, accounting for 73% of commuters in 2019. However, this share dropped slightly to 68% in 2023. Meanwhile, carpooling rose to 12.8%, as well as teleworking to 8.9%.
  • Among active transportation modes, walking was the most common in both 2019 and 2023. However, by 2023, the number of commuters walking or using public transit had nearly halved, while biking has remained steady around 1% of all commuters. 

Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey

Commuter Modes_2019                                            Commuter Modes_2023

      

Norfolk Deaths by Transportation Mode in 2021 and 2024

  • In 2021, there were 122 fatal and serious injury crashes on Norfolk roadways (excluding interstates). Of these, 59% involved vehicles only. Crashes involving motorcyclists accounted for 18%, pedestrians 17%, and bicyclists 6%.
  • By 2024, the number of fatal and serious injury crashes had risen to 136. The proportion of vehicle-only crashes declined to 52%, while the shares involving pedestrians (21%), motorcyclists (19%), and bicyclists (7%) increased.

Source: VDOT Crash Analysis Tool

Collision Type 2021         Collision Type_2024      


Data Insight

In Norfolk, non-vehicular commuters—those who walk, bike or take transit—make up approximately 8% of all reported commuters, yet these groups accounted for approximately 28% of individuals involved in fatal and serious injury crashes in 2024. Additionally, recent trends show a growing number of crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists, even as rates of commuting by foot and bike have either declined or remained the same in Norfolk. This disproportionate impact underscores the vulnerability of these road users and highlights the urgent need to prioritize their safety through thoughtful policy, planning, and roadway design.

Fatal crashes per 100,000 population 2018-2022

Between 2018 and 2022, fatal crashes per 100,000 population in Norfolk (excluding interstates) increased from 6.6 to 7.7, peaking at 10.2 in 2021. While Norfolk’s overall rate remains below the national average of 12.7, the gap between Norfolk and the U.S. has narrowed since 2018. The graph below compares Norfolk's fatal crash rate to those of three peer cities with similar populations, as well as the national average.  

Population data source: U.S. Census Bureau Annual Estimates of Resident Population 

Crash data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration/FARSFatal Crashes 2018-2022

Trip Data

Bike and Pedestrian Trip Counts

In March 2021, the City of Norfolk launched the Bike-Pedestrian Counter Program to collect reliable data on bicycle and pedestrian traffic. This initiative supports the city’s goal of making walking and biking more comfortable and better connected by providing insights into usage patterns and trends across Norfolk’s infrastructure.

The first phase of counter installations focused on 15 existing bike lane locations. . The second phase will expand to include additional existing bikeways as well as newly implemented bike lanes in alignment with the Multimodal Transportation Master Plan and the City of Norfolk Bicycle and Pedestrian Strategic Plan.

Learn more about Norfolk's Bike-Pedestrian Counter Program and view the Bike and Pedestrian Trip Counts dataset on the Norfolk Open Data portal.