Speeding was a contributing factor to more than half of the fatal crashes in Northern Virginia during 2011, Northern Virginia Daily reports.

The year ended with 29 total roadway deaths in the region, and area law enforcement agencies are working with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to develop solutions that will improve safety in the future.

DMV data indicates the percentage of crashes involving excessive speed has decreased in the region over recent years, the source reports, and in each of the specific counties examined.

"We're going to be doing a lot of impaired driving saturation patrols which will also incorporate any kind of distracted driving stuff that we see, or speeding offenses that we see," Frederick County Sheriff's Lt. Mike Richardson told the paper.

He indicated the roads will have a number of sobriety and safety checkpoints, in addition to continued efforts by law enforcement agencies to enforce the "Click it or Ticket" campaign which focuses on seat belt use. Another focus will be driving safety programs at local high schools.

Law enforcement personnel also work with state officials to identify other contributing factors and examine traffic, signage and methods of promoting safety and discouraging hazardous driving behaviors