On 25 June, our Pocahontas Parkway team in Virginia (United States) conducted a crash simulation exercise to test coordination among emergency response agencies and raise awareness of road safety.

The exercise simulated a vehicle colliding with a roadside safety barrier. The response involved Globalvia’s Maintenance Department, the Virginia State Police, the Henrico County Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the Safety Patrol, and a specialist towing and recovery company. As part of the drill, variable message signs were also activated to recreate the conditions of a real emergency response.

The initiative was organized as part of the IBTTA (International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association) Global Road Safety Week, held from 22 to 26 June. This year’s campaign focused on two key priorities: preventing distracted driving and promoting awareness of Virginia’s Move Over for Everyone law, which requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching stopped emergency or roadside assistance vehicles. This legislation plays a vital role in protecting those who work on or alongside the road, including tow truck operators, maintenance crews and first responders.

The simulation was attended by representatives from IBTTA, the VDOT, the Chesterfield County Policy, and other organizations committed to improving road safety, including AAA Mid-Atlantic, Drive Smart Virginia and Project Impact. The exercise also attracted significant interest from local media, which covered the event on site.

Exercises like this help assess the preparedness of all participating teams, strengthen coordination between agencies and encourage safer driving behaviors among road users.

This initiative is particularly meaningful in a year when the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence. As millions of people took to the roads over the Fourth of July holiday, the high volume of traffic once again underscored the importance of awareness and prevention initiatives like this one.