April is recognized as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in the United States. This month-long observance aims to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage drivers to practice safe driving habits. The Virginia state police and various other organizations use this month to launch campaigns, events, and educational initiatives to help reduce the number of accidents caused by distracted driving. The goal is to remind drivers to focus on the road and avoid any distractions while driving, such as using a cell phone, eating or drinking, grooming, multi-tasking, or any other activity that takes their attention away from driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics on distracted driving crashes, nearly 32,657 people lost their lives between 2012 and 2021. The year 2021 witnessed 3,522 fatalities and an estimated 362,415 injuries in distracted driving accidents. Young drivers (ages 16-24) have been observed to be the most likely to drive while distracted, and they are also overrepresented in crashes involving distracted driving.
Virginia 2021 crash facts show that distracted driving contributed to 17.7% of all traffic crashes, 12.1% of all traffic fatalities, and 19.2% of injury crashes. 7.2% of all Virginia distracted driving crashes involved drivers using cell phones. These statistics show that despite efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, it continues to be a significant problem on Virginia roads. Drivers need to understand the risks and take steps to avoid distractions while driving to help prevent crashes and save lives.
Kalfus & Nachman is committed to educating the community about the dangers of distracted driving. Our award-winning personal injury Attorney in Virginia, Paul Hernandez, shared some great advice on The Hampton Roads Show to stay safe on the roads. Check here!
The Most Common Types Of Driving Distractions
Many types of distractions can take a driver's attention away from the road. Here is the list of some of the most common types of driving distractions:
- Cell phone use: This includes talking on the phone, texting, emailing, or using social media while driving.
- Eating and drinking: Eating or drinking while driving can distract a driver's attention from the road and their surroundings.
- Grooming: Applying makeup, shaving, or fixing hair while driving can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road.
- Passengers: Interacting with passengers, especially young children or pets, can significantly distract drivers.
- Navigation systems: Trying to read maps or enter information into a navigation system while driving can take a driver's attention off the road.
- Daydreaming: Drivers who are lost in thought or daydreaming can be easily distracted and fail to pay attention to the road.
- External distractions: These can include billboards, roadside attractions, or other objects that may catch a driver's attention.
Driving distractions can come in many forms, but none are worth risking a life. It's essential for drivers to recognize these types of distractions and take steps to avoid them while driving. By staying focused on the road, drivers can help prevent accidents and keep themselves and others safe.
Safety Tips To Prevent Distracted Driving In Virginia
Remember, distracted driving is a serious issue and can have deadly consequences. By following these safety tips, you can help prevent distracted driving and keep yourself and others safe on the road:
- Put your phone away: One of the most common driving distractions is using a cell phone. Put your phone away, turn it off, or enable a Do Not Disturb mode to avoid the temptation of using it while driving.
- Take care of personal grooming before or after driving: Avoid grooming or applying makeup while driving. Take care of these tasks before you start driving or once you have arrived at your destination.
- Avoid eating or drinking: Eating or drinking while driving can be a dangerous distraction. If you're hungry or thirsty, pull over and take a break.
- Secure loose items: Ensure all loose items in your vehicle are secured so they don't roll around and distract you while driving.
- Limit passengers: Having too many passengers in your car can be distracting. Keep the number of passengers in your vehicle to a minimum, especially if they are young children or pets.
- Stay focused: Stay focused on the road and your surroundings during distracted driving awareness month. Avoid multi-tasking or doing anything that takes your attention away from driving.
Is it worth hiring a distracted driving accident attorney in Virginia?
Distracted driving crashes accounted for about 28.8% of the total economic cost of all traffic crashes in the United States in 2019. When quality-of-life assessments are comprised, the value of societal harm caused by these incidents accounts for 38% of the overall estimated value of societal harm caused by all 2019 motor vehicle traffic crashes.
If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, it is worth considering hiring an attorney to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Hiring a distracted driving accident attorney in Virginia immediately after the wreck can help you build a strong case, negotiate with insurance companies, represent you in court, and maximize your compensation.
Top-rated Virginia car accident attorneys at Kalfus & Nachman have knowledge and expertise in handling distracted driving crash claims. Our experts are familiar with the legal issues involved, and they know how to navigate the court system. We can help you maximize your compensation by identifying all the damages you are entitled to and ensuring you get the full amount you deserve. Call us for a free consultation today: 855-880-8163