The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called distracted driving a national epidemic because it causes thousands of preventable auto accidents, injuries, and fatalities each year. In an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and to encourage everyone on our roadways to do their part in keeping others safe, Congress has designated April as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
In states across the country, lawmakers, law enforcement, and safety advocates are reaching out to the public to stress the importance of remaining aware and alert when behind the wheel. In Virginia, police throughout the state will be on high alert for distracted drivers and will be ticketing offenders who violate the texting while driving ban that took effect in July of last year.
Distracted Driving: A Real Problem in Fairfax County
Northern Virginia, as part of the DC Metro area, sees a great deal of traffic accidents – many of which are caused by distracted drivers. Because distraction-affected crashes are steadily increasing in Northern Virginia, officers from the Fairfax County Police Department will be participating in the first-ever distracted driver training seminar.
The Department also released statistics about the rising number of distracted driving accidents:
- 1,060 crashes in 2011
- 1,128 crashes in 2012
- 1,175 crashes in 2013
According to the same statistics, the top five locations for distracted driving accidents in Fairfax County in 2013 were:
- Colvin Run Road and Leesburg Pike
- Georgetown Pike and Leesburg Road
- Lewinsville Road and Leesburg Pike
- Sunrise Valley Drive and Fairfax County Parkway
- South Van Dorn Street and Franconia Road
Northern Virginia Car Accident Attorneys
At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, we are hopeful that this April will help increase public awareness about how dangerous distracted driving – in any form – can be. In the past, our legal team has represented victims and families that suffered harm at the hands of distracted drivers. Although their cases were all unique – all of their accidents were preventable.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an auto accident caused by a driver who was distracted at the time, our Northern Virginia car accident lawyers can help. Call (888) 887-4128 for a FREE consultation. We represent victims and families throughout Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC.