Many factors can attribute to a Virginia Beach car accident. However, with the advancement of technologies, the risk of being seriously injured in a wreck due to a driving distraction has increased exponentially over the years.
Distracted Driving
According to Distraction.gov, distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving.
Types of Driving Distractions
Driving distractions are considered dangerous. A distraction can endanger your life, your passenger’s life, and those with whom you share the Virginia roadways. Common driving distractions include:
- Texting while behind the wheel
- Making and receiving cell phone calls
- Talking to other occupants in the vehicle
- Eating and drinking
- Personal grooming, such as applying makeup and doing your hair
- Operating a navigation system
- Adjusting radio dials
Key Stats
You share the roadways with many drivers who refuse to accept the dangers of driving distracted. However, the statistics are alarming:
- In 2011, 3,331 people lost their lives in driving distracted accidents in America.
- That same year, approximately 387,000 people were injured.
In 2010, 18 percent of accidents resulting in an injury involved a distracted driver.
Key Facts about Distracted Driving
Additional facts about distracted driving suggest that distractions put you at risk every time you get behind the wheel. For instance, it is reported that:
- The use of a hand-held device increases your risk of being in an accident by four times.
- Texting increases your risks by 23 times.
- Cell phone use reduces brain activity associated with driving by 37 percent.
You May Not Be in Control
Though you may practice safe driving habits, you can’t control the behaviors of those around you. Their distracted driving can result in you or a loved one being seriously injured in a wreck. With that being said, you might be able to hold the negligent driver responsible for your damages.
If you have been injured in an accident, you should call a Virginia Beach car accident attorney at Tavss Fletcher at (757) 625-1214. We have helped countless injury accident victims get the compensation and medical care they deserve. Let us help you build your personal injury case.