Driving While Texting Causes Accidents on Virginia Highways
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.
