Virginia Injury Law Blog

Anyone who drives on Route 264 in Virginia Beach and Norfolk knows about the prevalence of motorcycles, many of them sport bikes operated by young Navy personnel. Some sport bike models can reach a top speed of 200 mph. Motorcycle accidents, not surprisingly, almost always result in serious injury or death to the motorcyclist when an automobile or truck is involved in the collision.

Since October of last year, 32 sailors and Marines worldwide have died on motorcycles. Thirty of those killed were riding sport bikes. In 2006, about 2/3 of Navy motorcycle deaths and nearly 80% of Marine motorcycle deaths were on sport bikes. The Navy is seeking to reduce the number of motorcycle accidents with its institution of a new program with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Continue reading " Navy Seeks to Reduce Virginia Motorcycle Accidents and Fatalities with Training Program " »

Posted by Jonathan L. Thornton | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Personal Injury

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Virginia drivers who want to lower their chance of being in a crash should take note of a government study that found that 80% of vehicle accidents are caused by distracted drivers. Another compelling statistic reveals that drivers between the ages of 18 and 20 are four times more likely to be involved in an accident compared to other drivers. For this reason, Virginia has enacted a law prohibiting drivers under the age of 18 from using a cell phone or other wireless device while behind the wheel. Some jurisdictions, such as Washington, D.C., have enacted local ordinances prohibiting the use of handheld phones or devices while driving. Despite the recent legislation, it is common to see young and older drivers with their heads down, in the “texting position”, while driving down the interstate. The idea that someone can safely operate a vehicle and keep a proper lookout while punching small buttons on a keypad is ludicrous. The Virginia legislature considered a bill earlier this year that would have banned texting while driving for all ages, but the bill died in committee. It seems that such a law would make sense for everyone, but especially for the age group most likely to text while driving.

Posted by Jonathan L. Thornton | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Auto Accident

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