RMTA Joins Global Road Safety Week Campaign Focused on Distracted Driving and Safer Roads

For Immediate Release

RMTA Joins Global Road Safety Week Campaign Focused on Distracted Driving and Safer Roads

Richmond, VA (June 16, 2026) –Distracted driving continues to impact roadways and communities around the world, contributing to crashes, injuries and preventable loss of life every day. As part of a growing global effort to improve roadway safety, The Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority (RMTA) is joining transportation agencies and industry partners worldwide in support of IBTTA’s Global Road Safety Week, taking place June 22–26, 2026.

Led by the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), the annual campaign brings attention to the importance of safer driving behaviors and the tolling industry’s role in helping protect drivers, roadway workers and communities through operations, technology, communications and public education.

This year’s campaign theme — “Put Your Mind in Drive” — encourages drivers to stay focused behind the wheel and recognize that attention is one of the most important safety features in any vehicle.

“At RMTA, safety is our priority. We are proud to join IBTTA’s Put Your Mind in Drive campaign to help raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving which remains one of the leading threats to roadway safety,” said Joi Taylor Dean, RMTA chief executive officer and IBTTA 2026 president. “In today’s connected world, it can be tempting to glance at a phone, adjust a navigation system or respond to a message, but those few seconds can have life-changing consequences. We encourage every driver to stay focused, keep their eyes on the road, and make safe choices behind the wheel. By working together, we can help prevent crashes and make our roads safer for everyone.”

As part of Global Road Safety Week, RMTA will initiate a range of activities promoting roadway safety — from encouraging employees, partners and community members to take the Be Safe Together Safety pledge and commit to safer, more focused driving habits to sharing safety messages on variable message signs on our roads. The campaign will also include daily social media posts during the week to engage followers and raise awareness on the dangers of distracted driving.

For more information about  RMTA and its roadway safety initiatives, visit www.rmtaonline.org. You may also follow the Authority on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram. To learn more about the campaign and take the pledge visit www.BeSafeTogether.org.

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About the Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority

The Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority (RMTA) is an independent authority and political subdivision created by an act of the Virginia General Assembly in 1966. RMTA owns and operates three roadways in the Greater Richmond Region – the Powhite Parkway, Downtown Expressway and Boulevard Bridge. In 2026, RMTA celebrates 60 years of connecting communities across the Greater Richmond Region, advancing a safe, modern and efficient expressway system for all.  For more information, visit www.rmtaonline.org

About IBTTA

The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) is the worldwide association for owners and operators of toll facilities and the businesses that support them. Founded in 1932, IBTTA has members in over 20 countries on six continents, advancing innovative, user-based transportation funding solutions to meet today’s infrastructure challenges.