You are not responsible for the behavior of other drivers when you are traveling in Virginia. However, you (and all other motorists) must adhere to traffic laws and maintain accepted safety standards to reduce the chances of a collision. Distracted driving is a primary cause of such incidents.
When you think of distracted driving, you might automatically consider texting while driving to be the biggest problem on Virginia roadways. In fact, there are numerous other ways to use a cell phone while you’re behind the wheel that are equally dangerous. In this state, you may not hold a phone while driving and may not hold any other type of wireless communication device either.
Distracted driving has become a life-threatening norm
Data shows that more than 3,000 people died in distracted driving accidents in 2020. More than 300,000 people suffered injuries in similar collisions. Crash statistics prove that cell phone use while driving is particularly dangerous for teenagers or other inexperienced drivers. Sadly, many drivers disregard state laws and end up causing serious collisions that result in severe injuries or death.
The following list includes high-risk behaviors involving cell phone use while driving:
- Making or receiving phone calls
- Texting
- Taking selfies or posting on social media
- Using FaceTime or other virtual chat platforms
- Attending work meetings
- Looking at a GPS-generated map
Each of these behaviors constitutes distracted driving. When arriving safely to your destination is the goal, it’s always best to put down your cell phone and practice engaged driving habits, meaning that you stay focused on the task at hand with eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel.
Stay focused and obey the law
If you practice safe driving habits and avoid using your cell phone while driving, you improve safety for yourself, your passengers and other drivers who are sharing the road. You must always stay focused and alert. The problem is, however, that no matter how cautious a driver you are, you cannot control another driver’s behavior. If someone is using a cell phone or is otherwise dealing with a distraction at the wheel, a collision may occur when you least expect it.
If you suffer injuries in a distracted driving accident on a Virginia roadway, damages may extend beyond physical injuries. In addition to property damage, you might also suffer severe emotional trauma and financial distress associated with the incident. Thankfully, state law allows a recovering accident victim to seek accountability against a distracted driver.