Distracted Driving and Cell Phones
Aside from a few limited circumstances, Virginia prohibits all drivers from using handheld cell phones while driving. Handheld cell phone use, whether for texting, talking, or otherwise, is a dangerous distraction that is illegal in Virginia, and doing so not only subjects the user to the possibility of a traffic ticket but also puts everyone else on the road at risk.
Types of Distracted Driving
1. Cell Phone Use
Virginia law prohibits drivers from holding cell phones or any other wireless communication devices while driving except in a driver emergency or when the vehicle is lawfully parked or stopped.
2. Texting While Driving
Texting while driving is illegal and a primary offense in Virginia. A conviction for texting while driving carries a $125 fine for the first offense and a $250 fine for the second or subsequent offenses.
3. Young Drivers Inexperience
Young distracted drivers are inexperienced in handling or controlling a vehicle during an emergency; combined, distracted driving puts them at greater risk of a crash. More young people are involved in distracted driving crashes than any other age group.
Traffic Crashes and Persons Injured
According to Virginia Highway Safety Office statistics from 2017 to 2021, on average, a crash occurred every 4.4 minutes, leaving 2.7 lives lost per day because of traffic crashes and 161 persons injured daily.
As to injuries caused by distracted driving, there was a 9.0% increase in 2021 over 2020. The top three categories for distracted driving in 2021 were: (1) eyes not on the road, (2) looking at a roadside incident, and (3) cell phone/texting. Of those three, cell phone use is a particularly alarming trend.
Many of those crashes were related to one of the riskiest behaviors a driver can engage in – distracted driving.
This summer, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration projected over 9,500 traffic deaths across the nation in the first quarter of 2022, making this the deadliest start to a year on U.S. roadways in twenty years.
Distracted Driver Virginia Beach Conclusion
If you have been injured due to the carelessness of a distracted driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Our firm is experienced in handling personal injury cases arising from injuries or fatalities due to distracted drivers.
Schedule a Consultation With Preston, Wilson & Crandley, PLC
At Preston, Wilson & Crandley, PLC, we are here to help navigate the complexities of post-accident procedures and legal matters. Our experienced team ensures you receive the support and compensation you deserve.
Our attorneys handle injury claims ranging from bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and car accidents to drunk driving accidents and wrongful death claims.
Give us a call and let our experience work for you. We have been helping the people of Virginia since 1955 and are ready to help you. Schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
If you need a Personal Injury Attorney in Virginia Beach, contact us at (757) 486-2700.
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