Though the message from the Governors Highway Safety Association is simple, it bears repeating: Don't use cell phones or other electronic devices while driving, regardless of the current law.
The GHSA makes this recommendation after seeing the impact distracted driving has made on accident rates. In Virginia and across the U.S., distraction related accidents have skyrocketed and several high profile cases have prompted many states to impose new distracted driving laws.
Virginia Distracted Driving Laws
In Virginia, bus drivers and drivers under the age of 18 are banned from using a cell phone while driving. A texting ban has been enacted in the state. This ban affects all drivers in the state and it is a primary law, meaning that you can be pulled over and ticketed for texting alone.
Doing More to Prevent Distracted Driving Accidents
Although some believe that a ban on handheld devices is enough to discourage distracted driving, research has shown that hands-free use is not any safer than handheld. The GHSA has issued the following recommendations as the best ways to combat distracted driving nationwide. These recommendations include:
- Banning text messaging for all drivers
- Banning all non-emergency cell phone use for new drivers
- Initiating a nationwide media campaign to alert the public to the dangers of distracted driving
- Encouraging businesses to ban cell phone use by employees driving for business purposes
- The funding of research programs that work to determine the causes of distracted driving and the best techniques lowering distracted driving rates
If you have been injured during a car, truck, motorcycle or pedestrian accident with a distracted driver you are not alone. As Norfolk personal injury attorneys we see too many lives affected by distracted drivers. If you have been injured or you have lost a loved one at the hands of a distracted driver contact an attorney today for your free consultation. You are hurting. Let us help.