AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. -- According to Virginia State Police, nearly 800 people died on Virginia's roads in 2012 and 12 of those people died on roads in the Augusta County area, including the cities of Staunton and Waynesboro. This statistic does not include Interstate 81 or Interstate 64.

Sgt. Michael Rossetti with Virginia State Police said people should use common sense and pay attention to save lives.

“Just be safe when you're out there. Be safe when you're traveling. Avoid distractions while you're driving,” said Sgt. Rossetti, “It takes a matter of seconds for accidents to happen. They're very unfortunate, but these things do happen.”

Virginia State Police said 12 people died in the area this past year. Some of those deaths could have been prevented with better safety. VSP said of the 12 deaths, five were not wearing seat belts. Four deaths in 2012 were alcohol-related deaths.

A sergeant with Waynesboro's police department said two pedestrians died in 2012 and that's up from 2011.

Sgt. Rossetti recommended a few safe driving tips. He said avoid road rage and distractions. He also said wearing a seat belt can help keep you and other drivers safe.

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