Virginia’s New Texting Law Focuses on Distracted Driving

Jun 6, 2013 | Auto Accidents

In April, the Virginia General Assembly approved a bill that toughens the penalty for texting while driving. As part of a nationwide push, Virginia lawmakers increased the fine for texting while driving: A first offense now results in a $125 ticket, and subsequent offenses cost texting drivers $250 each.

The new law comes in response to thousands of traffic accidents involving distracted drivers.

According to a Virginia Department of Health study, distracted driving caused 77,617 injuries and 608 deaths between 2005-2009. At least 6% of these auto accidents involved a driver using a cell phone.

Under Virginia law, texting while driving is now a primary offense, meaning that police can stop a driver just for texting while driving. According to a Washington Post article, however, the new anti-texting law will not prevent drivers from texting on Virginia roadways.

Drivers will still be allowed to use GPS and make phone calls while driving. As a result, drivers who are stopped for texting while driving can claim that they were using their phone for an authorized activity, such as looking up directions.

“Virginia is a tough state [in which] to enact highway safety laws, so this new action is an important step,” Joshua Adkins of the Governors Highway Safety Association told the Post. “To be most effective, a hand-held ban is necessary. But this sends a message that texting and driving is dangerous. That’s critical.”

Research from Virginia Tech’s Transportation Institute underscores the message that texting and driving causes distracted driving and car accidents.

Virginia Tech’s 2009 distracted driving study found that texting while driving is the worst type of cellphone-related distraction and takes a driver’s eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds.

Richmond drivers and pedestrians who are injured by distracted drivers may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and suffering. Geoff McDonald and Associates PC is a personal injury law firm in Richmond, VA, that represents people injured in automotive injury cases.

Geoff McDonald and Associates: 804-888-8888.

FREE CONSULTATION

No Fees Unless We Win







    How Failed Motorcycle Inspections Can Impact Your Accident Case

    According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Virginia is home to nearly 200,000 registered motorcycles. If you own one, you’ll need to arrange to have an annual motorcycle inspection performed to help avoid liability in case of a potential motorcycle...

    How Long After a Car Accident Can Injuries Appear?

    In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, you might feel fine and not think you sustained any significant injuries. You might even refuse medical treatment on the scene of a car crash because you don’t sense anything is wrong. But you might be surprised to...

    How To Secure a Police Report for a Car Accident: A Complete Guide

    The first thing you should do after being involved in a car accident is call 911. A 911 operator can send police out to the accident scene to investigate your crash and create a police report. From there, it’s up to you to figure out how to secure a police...

    How Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Virginia?

    In 2022, over 2,000 motorcycle crashes occurred in Virginia, accounting for only 1.7% of all traffic collisions but over 10% of serious traffic injuries. If you’re a rider, you should be extra careful on the roads and avoid the motorcycle collision causes we mention...

    How Are Truck Accidents Different From Car Accidents in Virginia?

    Power trucking accidents are one of the most dangerous types of road accidents, and they differ significantly from car accidents in several ways. The most apparent difference between a truck and a car is their size and weight. Trucks are much bigger and heavier than...

    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