In any kind of gathering, you see people using their cellphones: calling, receiving calls, checking email and texting.
Unfortunately, texting while driving is another use of the cellphone that can cause accidents, resulting in injuries and take lives.
A national distraction
Any kind of new technology is fascinating to people and there is an ongoing obsession with cellphones. Many users wait with great anticipation for the latest versions to become available and they are adept at connecting with each other by texting. Unfortunately, many people also feel that they are capable of texting while driving. However, data available through the National Safety Council shows that this activity causes 6 million accidents a year in the US. In fact, texting while driving is six times more dangerous than driving while intoxicated.
Illegal in Virginia
Texting while driving is illegal in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The fine is $125 for a first offense and $250 for the second and subsequent offenses. Keep in mind that, on average, the time required to type out a text message is five seconds, minimum. According to 2014 information provided in the Journal of Adolescent Health, a driver can safely take his or her attention away from the road ahead for only two seconds at a time.
A look ahead
Approximately 2 million of the 6 million accidents associated with texting while driving each year result in permanent injuries. Someone injured by a negligent driver who was texting while driving may face a lifetime of expensive medical care including surgeries and the need for ongoing physical or mental therapy. In this case, the victim has the right to expect maximum compensation to cover both current and future medical costs, pain and suffering and more.