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Driving While Distracted Kills

I've blogged about the dangers of driving while sending text messages and that Virginia passed a law that went into effect in July that made texting while driving an offense that carries a monetary fine with it.

Now, there have been hearing in Congress,and President Obama issued a Presidential Order banned texting while driving for Federal employees who are on Federal business, whether driving government-owned vehicles or their own vehicle.

Although young drivers used to be the ones who sent text messages, more and more older adults have begun this dangerous habit.  What in the world makes people think they can drive down a highway doing 55 - 65 mph and look down at a handheld device and send a text message at the same time? 

For teens, texting while driving is especially dangerous, because they are already driving under the disability of being among the most inexperienced drivers on the highway.  I posted a Contract on our website for parents and their teen drivers to discuss and sign.  It won't cure the problem all by itself, but it gives parents an opportunity to have frank talks with their teen drivers about what is expected of them and the consequences of their actions.

If you or someone in your family has been seriously injured by a driver who was texting while driving, we can answer your questions.  Call 703-273-9500, send an email to srohrstaff@wrsattorneys.com, or contact us through our website, www.WRSattorneys.com.  We also have a book full of information for Virginians who have been injured in an accident, Five Fatal Errors That Can Ruin Your Virginia Accident Case -- And How to Avoid Them.  It's free and available for the asking.