Roanoke authorities are focusing on educating the community on the dangers of distracted driving during Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April. During 2014, there were 3,100 distracted driving-related deaths throughout the country, and 431,000 victims were injured in distracted driving-related car accidents.
Cell phone use and texting while driving are common distracted driving culprits but other activities can also fit into the category of distracted driving. Other forms of distraction can include interacting with passengers, operating a GPS device, eating and grooming while driving. Drivers in Virginia are permitted to use hands free cell phone devices; however, authorities suggest placing a cell phone on silent while driving to avoid distraction and temptation.
Distracted driving places everyone on the roadways at risk. To help keep roadways in Virginia safe, the month of April is being used to raise awareness of the problem of distracted driving. The consequences of car accidents are the same whether the negligent driver was a distracted driver or negligent in some other way. Victims of distracted driving-related car accidents can suffer physical, financial and emotional damages associated with the injuries, and may require extensive medical treatment for the harm they received in the accident.
Victims injured by distracted drivers are protected through the legal process and may be able to recover compensation for their damages. Victims and their families should be familiar with the options available to help protect them when they have been harmed by a distracted driver.
Source: WSLS.com, “Roanoke Police bring awareness to distracted driving,” Erin Brookshier, April 4, 2016