Roadside Memorials
Approximately 270 people die annually as a result of crashes on West Virginia’s highways. To address the problem, the West Virginia Division of Highways has partnered with the State’s highway safety partners to develop a Strategic Highway Safety Plan to reduce highway related fatalities and injuries. Through coordinated disciplines of engineering, enforcement, education, and emergency medical services West Virginia has established a goal of “Zero Fatalities...Saving One Life at a Time”. Additional information on West Virginia’s efforts to reduce fatalities on state highways can be found by viewing the 2022-2026 West Virginia Strategic Highway Safety Plan. To help memorialize loved ones killed in vehicular crashes, and remind motorists to drive safely, the Division of Highways has established guidelines to erect and maintain Roadside Memorial Signs. The Roadside Memorial Sign is an official sign that is provided and placed by the Division of Highways and is installed as close as possible to the site where a fatal motor vehicle crash occurred. The memorial consists of white lettering on a blue background, and contains 1 of 4 messages chosen by the applicant followed by the name of the deceased:
| Available Safety Messages | Application Context |
|---|---|
| “Please Drive Safely” | Standard safety message used for any fatality. |
| “Please Buckle Up” | Alternative message for fatalities where the victim was not wearing a seat belt. |
| “Don’t Drink and Drive” | Alternative message for fatalities involving alcohol and/or drugs. |
| “Watch for Pedestrians” | Alternative message for fatalities involving pedestrians. |
Guidelines and Eligibility
The program is governed by specific legislative rules to ensure memorials are placed appropriately and safely:
- Eligibility: Signs may be requested by an immediate family member of the victim within three years of the date of the crash.
- Restrictions: Memorials are not permitted for individuals whose wrongful conduct (such as a felony, serious traffic offense, or flight from police) was the proximate cause of the crash.
- Fees: A non-refundable payment of $200 covers the initial application review, manufacture, installation, and maintenance for three years.
- Renewal: An optional $200 payment can extend the maintenance and display for an additional three years. At the end of the term, the sign is removed and offered to the applicant.
How to Apply
Applications can be requested via phone or downloaded directly from the link below. Please refer to the Excerpts from West Virginia Code for further legal details.
Submit completed applications to:
Roadside Memorial Sign Program
WVDOH, Traffic Division
Building 5, Room A-248
1900 Kanawha Blvd, E
Charleston, West Virginia 25305-0430
Phone: (304) 558-3063
