How Common are Distracted Driving Accidents in Virginia?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is one of the most common risky driving behaviors. It is defined as “any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking.” Unfortunately, distracted driving is becoming an even bigger problem on our roadways. Here, our Manassas car accident attorney provides an overview of the data and discusses the damages of distracted driving.
The Data: Distracted Driving Accidents in Virginia
Virginia published comprehensive annual car accident data. The latest report is the 2019 Virginia Traffic Crash Facts. In 2019, there were 128,172 car accidents reported in the Commonwealth. Authorities concluded that at least 23,246 occurred because of a distracted driver. Tragically, 827 people were killed and thousands more were injured as a result of a distracted driver.
Highway officials stress that the official data likely understates the true scope of the distracted driving problem. Distracted driving is believed to be underreported. While it was cited as a cause in approximately 18 percent of car accidents reported in 2019 in Virginia, driver distraction may have also played a role in many other wrecks.
Three Primary Types of Distracted Driving
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles notes that driving distracted comes in a wide range of different forms. Though, there are three primary “types” of distracted driving. The state agency categorizes the three types of distracted driving as:
- Manual Distraction: The driver’s hand or hands leaves the wheel to perform another task.
- Visual Distraction: The driver’s eyes are taken off of the road.
- Cognitive Distraction: The driver’s focus/attention is taken off of the road.
Notably, the different types of distractions can—and often do—happen simultaneously. The most obvious example comes from texting and driving. A driver who is sending a text message while behind the wheel is taking their hands, eyes, and cognitive focus off of the task at hand. For this reason, texting and driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distractions while driving. According to a study published by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), a driver sending/reading text messages is 23 times more likely to end up in a crash.
What to Do If You are Injured By a Distracted Driver
All drivers have a legal responsibility to operate their vehicle in a safe and attentive manner. A motorist who allows their focus to slip off the road is creating a serious safety hazard. They are putting themselves, their passengers, and innocent people at risk. If you were hurt in a crash with a distracted driving, you need to take immediate action to protect your health, well-being, and legal rights. Among other things, you should:
- Stop your vehicle and report the crash to law enforcement
- Seek immediate medical care for any injuries
- Document that crash the best of your abilities
- Consult with a Virginia auto accident attorney
A lawyer will help you navigate the legal claims process, including gathering the evidence and information needed to prove that the other driver was distracted. In some cases, electronic data, including cell phone records, may be used to prove fault.
Call Our Northern Virginia Car Accident Lawyers Today
At Leary Law, P.C., our Virginia auto accident attorney fights to help victims get justice and full financial compensation. If you or your family member was hurt in a distracted driving crash, we can help. For a free, no commitment consultation, please contact us today. With offices in Manassas and Fairfax, we represent injured victims throughout Northern Virginia, including in Arlington, Vienna, Reston, Chantilly, Springfield, and Annandale.
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