Distracted Driving Accidents in Virginia
Recent statistics indicate that around 17% of all vehicle crashes in Virginia are associated with distracted driving. These incidents result in significant losses for Virginia residents, including time, financial resources, and, tragically, even lives.
To mitigate hazardous driving practices, the state has enacted various laws that impose severe and progressively harsher penalties on drivers found using mobile devices unsafely. Virginia’s distracted driving legislation particularly targets texting and the behavior of young, inexperienced drivers, who are at a higher risk of accidents compared to their more seasoned counterparts.
What is Distracted Driving?
Legal and motor vehicle authorities in Virginia based their state definition of distracted driving on widely recognized facts. Consequently, Virginia’s legal and educational resources acknowledge that the use of electronic devices, such as texting while driving, represents just one of the numerous common distractions that drivers frequently encounter. Any action that diverts a driver’s attention from the road or diminishes their control over the vehicle is considered a distraction.
Types of Distracted Driving
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the three primary categories of distracted driving are manual, visual, and cognitive — each of which elevates the likelihood of accidents. Visual distraction occurs when a driver’s gaze is diverted from the road, for instance, by observing a billboard or checking the dashboard. Manual distraction involves the driver removing their hands from the steering wheel, which can happen while eating or manipulating an object.
Cognitive distraction is particularly hazardous as it diverts the driver’s mental focus away from the act of driving. When a driver engages in two cognitive activities simultaneously, such as conversing on the phone while driving, the conversation often takes precedence, relegating driving to a secondary role, often without the driver’s awareness.
These shifts significantly impair driving performance, and such impairment can persist for an extended duration, including the following:
- Interacting with passengers in potentially hazardous manners.
- Engaging in non-driving-related tasks, such as eating, shaving, or applying makeup, which remove hands from the steering wheel.
- Adjusting stereos, climate controls, or personal items.
- Experiencing stress, personal dilemmas, or daydreaming that distracts drivers’ focus.
This definition inherently recognizes that legislation alone cannot completely eliminate distracted driving. To prevent the unfortunate outcomes associated with distracted driving, it ultimately falls upon each driver to commit to safe driving practices.
The Impact of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving negatively affects too many individuals and families across the United States annually. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nine fatalities occur in the country due to accidents linked to distracted driving each day. In 2019, more than 3,100 individuals in the U.S. lost their lives — and approximately 424,000 sustained injuries in incidents involving distracted drivers. Notably, around 20% of those who perished in such accidents that year were not occupants of vehicles; they were pedestrians, cyclists, or otherwise outside of a vehicle.
Virginia Distracted Driving Statistics
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles reports that there were 907 fatalities on Virginia’s roadways in 2023, reflecting a nearly 10% reduction compared to the previous year. Numerous factors contribute to motor vehicle accidents, many of which are preventable.
Distractions, including talking or texting on mobile devices, reading, or reaching for items, account for 80% of all accidents and 65% of near-misses, as identified in recent research by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.
Understanding Victims’ Rights After a Virginia Distracted Driving Crash
In Virginia, the issue of distracted driving remains a serious problem, resulting in a considerable number of accidents and injuries annually. For those affected by distracted driving incidents, it’s essential to comprehend your rights in order to pursue justice — and obtain compensation for damages.
Top 5 Rights of Distracted Driving Accident Victims
- Legal Representation
- Evidence Preservation
- Fair Treatment
- The Right to Hold Negligent Parties Accountable
- Compensation
A distracted driver who does not exercise reasonable care while operating their vehicle should be deemed responsible for any damages resulting from the accident they caused. For over 40 years, the automobile accident lawyers at Cannella & O’Neal have successfully represented thousands of clients who have been seriously injured through no fault of their own.
Contact a Richmond, Virginia Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
At Cannella & O’Neal, we approach personal injury cases with a personal touch. Unlike other law firms, most of our personal injury cases originate from the good folks we have represented in the past. The steadfast loyalty of our personal injury clients forms the cornerstone of this law firm. Contact us today so we can get you the best possible outcome in your case. You can call to speak directly with an attorney today at (804) 780‑1200.