The following statement is from DC Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6), Chair of the Council’s Committee on Transportation and the Environment, following this morning’s announcement by DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb on securing a successful judgment against a Virginia driver with 244 driving infractions, totaling more than $77,000.

The authority to sue dangerous drivers from any state was a key element of Councilmember Allen’s STEER Act, which became law in April 2024. Other tools from the law are currently in process. The DC DMV is implementing a first-in-the-nation “speed governor” program for drivers convicted of criminal reckless driving, and a new point system based on Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) infractions that will lead to expedited booting and towing.

“Today’s actions highlight how a small group of drivers can be responsible for an eye-popping number of dangerous speeding violations, putting DC residents and visitors at serious risk. These are people who didn’t think they’d be held responsible and had no problem driving dangerously through DC neighborhoods thousands of times. Now, thanks to the STEER Act, they’re facing serious consequences. The message should be loud and clear: slow down. I’m grateful to DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb for showing leadership and taking action to combat dangerous driving with the authority the DC Council has given him. I’m proud to have authored the STEER Act because it’s delivering real accountability for dangerous drivers, no matter where they live.”

The Office of the Attorney General also announced 12 new lawsuits against Maryland and Virginia drivers who collectively have 1,989 infractions and owe nearly $620,000. In total, the OAG has used the STEER Act to file 24 lawsuits against drivers with more than 4,500 infractions, totaling more than $1.4 million.

Traffic fatalities are down nearly 60% year-to-date in the District. Comparing the past two years to the two before that, DC has reduced major injuries from traffic crashes by 55% and fatalities by 24%. Strong accountability through strategic enforcement of DC laws plays a critical role in reducing traffic injuries.

This progress is threatened by members of the US House of Representatives who continue to push to eliminate DC’s automated ticket program despite clear safety benefits for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.