Daniela Berson
WMAL.com
RICHMOND — (WMAL) The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is launching its emergency contact program today, providing an extra safety net for drivers severely injured in accidents.
The voluntary program allows Virginia drivers to give the DMV a friend or family member’s phone number in case they are injured in an accident.
DMV spokesperson Brandy Brubaker said that officers responding to an accident where the driver is incapacitated would call the driver’s emergency contact, rather than go through the driver’s cell phone.
“This just gives them the quickest, easiest way to access that information and get contact with your loved ones, so they can get to the hospital and be with you,” Brubaker said.
She also said that the emergency contact would be especially useful in accidents where a driver is knocked unconscious or killed while driving alone.
Virginia residents interested in signing up for the service can do so online, or in person at their nearest DMV.
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