Texting While Driving Violations Are On The Rise in Virginia

Texting While Driving Violations Are On The Rise in Virginia Undoubtedly, you’re aware that texting while driving is very distracting, but it’s also against the law across Virginia. Since legislation passed in 2013 that made texting while driving a primary offense, convictions of the offense have nearly quadrupled, according to a Capital News Service article. The increase in convictions is likely due to the change in legislation that allowed texting while driving to be a primary offense, but also due to increased awareness of and vigilance against distracted driving. Over the past few years, there have been dozens of news stories of teens and families seriously injured or killed as a result of a distracted driver. The risk of inattentive driving is great. According to a study by Virginia Tech, “the act of texting while driving increased the risk of a safety-critical event by two times and resulted in drivers taking their eyes off the road for an average of 23 seconds total.” What to do if You’ve Been Injured by a Driver Who Was Texting While Driving If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed as a result of a driver’s negligence caused by texting while driving, seek counsel from an experienced attorney. An attorney’s knowledge of traffic, insurance and liability laws can provide clarity and guidance during such a difficult time. In addition, an attorney will help you get the settlement you deserve to help cover financial losses, medical bills, and lost wages. For more information or a free consultation about your legal rights, or to ask questions about obtaining compensation for injuries sustained by an inattentive motorist, do not hesitate to contact us, or visit one of our offices in Richmond, Petersburg, Tappahannock, or Fredericksburg.