Police Focus on Distracted Drivers

Apr 10, 2014 | Auto Accidents

Commuters in northern Virginia are notorious for talking on the phone, reading email and sending text messages behind the wheel. They may not be paying attention to the road — but the police are paying attention to them.

The Fairfax County Police Department recently held a training session for officers on issues related to distracted driving and enforcement, InsideNoVa.com reported. The session occurred in conjunction with Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April, when safety advocates call attention to the problem of driver distractions.

Virginia prohibits texting behind the wheel, but it is legal to talk on the phone while driving unless you are a novice driver or school bus driver. However, talking on the phone can cause a driver to swerve out of a lane or run a red light, which can lead to a citation.

In Fairfax County in 2013, distracted driving accounted for 1,175 traffic accidents.

But the problem extends beyond just Fairfax County. According to DRIVE SMART Virginia, a nonprofit supported by insurance companies, 80% of wrecks in the state are caused by distracted drivers. Nationwide, 3,328 people died in traffic accidents that involved distracted drivers in 2012.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is calling attention to mental distractions that dangerously affect drivers even when their hands are on the wheel. It rates mental distractions at three levels:

  • Mild danger, characterized by activities that do not engage a driver’s entire attention, such as listening to the radio or an audio book.
  • Moderate danger, which draws a driver’s attention to an activity such as talking on a hand-held cellphone or hands-free device. Though the driver’s hands may be on the wheel, his or her mind is occupied with a conversation.
  • High danger, including the use of hands-free mobile communications such as voice-activated text and email that can be a greater car crash hazard than talking on a hand-held phone.

When a distracted driver causes an auto accident, the driver may be held accountable for the harm they cause. People who have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver should talk to a licensed personal injury attorney about their legal options to seek compensation.

Geoff McDonald and Associates: 804-888-8888.

FREE CONSULTATION

No Fees Unless We Win







    How Trucking Safety Regulations May Influence Your Case in Virginia

    Virginia truck drivers and commercial trucking company owners must observe certain state and federal safety rules. As an accident victim, showing that the liable party violated one of these laws can reinforce your case and help you claim compensation. Let’s examine a...

    Why Drinking, Drugs and Driving are a Dangerous Combination

    Do you want to be the cause of a senseless tragedy? Each year, countless lives are lost because people decide to drink or drug and drive. It’s an irresponsible act that recklessly endangers not only your life, but also those of innocent bystanders. Whether you’re a...

    What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Richmond, Virginia?

    According to Virginia’s car crash map, over 5,700 vehicle accidents occurred in Richmond, VA, in 2022. While a car accident can happen anywhere, some intersections in Richmond are notorious for their high number of crashes. So which intersections in Richmond pose the...

    What Is the Statute of Limitations After a Virginia Truck Accident?

    Did you suffer injuries in a Virginia truck accident? You may be able to sue the truck driver or the trucking company, but you must file your claim within a specified time limit called the statute of limitations. Virginia courts enforce this deadline very strictly and...

    Do Tractor Trailers Have a Black Box?

    One of the first orders or business after a truck crash is to request access to the tractor trailer’s black box. Black boxes often contain critical evidence that can help establish the facts of the accident and support your claim. However, the law requires trucking...

    Our Case Results

    $4,700,000
    Industrial Plant Accident

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Jeffrey A. Breit and Justin M. Sheldon Our client was killed in an industrial accident when an unauthorized worker was operating an overhead crane and pinned our client between…

    $1,750,000
    Rear-End Crash

    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury, facial trauma, a dislocated hip and severe abdominal trauma when she was rear-ended at a traffic light by a tractor trailer. Suit was commenced shortly after…

    $1,250,000
    Assault of Log Truck Driver

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Geoffrey R. McDonald, Frank H. Hupfl, Justin M. Sheldon.
    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury after being assaulted and knocked to the ground while fueling his logging…

    $860,000
    Drunk Driving Crash

    Our client suffered neck/head trauma and a broken wrist after his vehicle was struck by a drunk driver while he was stopped at a traffic light. Upon rejection of a settlement offer of $325,000, our litigation…

    $700,000
    Rear-End Collision

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Justin M. Sheldon and Geoff R. McDonald, Richmond
    GMA’s client was injured as a result of a rear-end collision in the greater Richmond area. The crash occurred a little after…

    Client Reviews

    Cheryl and Rich were wonderful and patient with me throughout the case. All of my questions were answered. They really helped me through this tough time and made sure to let me know what was going on. I really thank Geoff…

    Troy Saxby

    My experience with GMA staff was first rate. They always represented in a professional way and made sure I had everything as far as paperwork. Kara and Theo made sure to answer all my questions, was always available and so…

    Shirley Brown

    Geoff McDonald & Associates is the team that you want on the field if you’re in need of top notch legal defense! Mr. Taj Henley demonstrated true customer service skills and his expertise made me feel comfortable throughout the…

    Julian Reeves

    Geoff McDonald & Associates: Thank you Taj Henley for all of your hard work and dedication! Very expeditious in my case and I was very satisfied with my settlement. Will recommend to all my friends and family!

    Shareema Williams

    Geoff is number one in my book and I especially appreciate the support of Mr Henley

    Ebony Conwell

    I was so pleased with the knowledge and support from Mr. Taj Henley

    Kideem Frierson

    Thank you Geoff McDonald &Associates. A special thank you to Mr. Taj Henley

    Denise Conwell

    Mr. Taj Henley displays exceptional professionalism for Geoff McDonald & Associates, along with commendable communication skills and customer service. By his work ethic and commitment to the people he serves his value to any…

    Justin Fitzgerald