• PRINT EDITIONS
  • | CONTACT
  • | TEL: 540.962.2121 | E: hello@virginianreview.com
Thursday, May 1, 2025
The Virginian Review
  • NEWS
    • NEWS CENTER
    • CRIME
    • COMMUNITY
    • LOCAL NEWS
    • STATE NEWS
    • NATIONAL NEWS
    • BUSINESS & TECH
  • Obituaries
  • GOVERNMENT
    • GOVERNMENT NEWS CENTER
    • CITY
    • COUNTY
    • STATE
  • Sports
    • SPORTS CENTER
    • LOCAL SPORTS
    • HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
    • COLLEGE SPORTS
  • Entertainment
  • Public Notices
    • LEGAL NOTICES
    • PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
    • STATEWIDE LEGAL SEARCH
  • The Shadow
No Result
View All Result
  • NEWS
    • NEWS CENTER
    • CRIME
    • COMMUNITY
    • LOCAL NEWS
    • STATE NEWS
    • NATIONAL NEWS
    • BUSINESS & TECH
  • Obituaries
  • GOVERNMENT
    • GOVERNMENT NEWS CENTER
    • CITY
    • COUNTY
    • STATE
  • Sports
    • SPORTS CENTER
    • LOCAL SPORTS
    • HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
    • COLLEGE SPORTS
  • Entertainment
  • Public Notices
    • LEGAL NOTICES
    • PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
    • STATEWIDE LEGAL SEARCH
  • The Shadow
No Result
View All Result
The Virginian Review
No Result
View All Result
Photo: Christopher Mentz, VR

From Vision to Victory: Cedar Creek Trailhead Connects Land, People, and Counties

May 1, 2025

Molina Healthcare Legal Notice 5-1-25

May 1, 2025

Alleghany County Voter Registration & Elections Information for County Voters 2025 June Dual Primary Legal Ad 5-1-25

May 1, 2025

BWW Law Group Trustee Sale 107 N Marion Avenue Covington Virginia Legal 5-1-25

May 1, 2025
Abigail Van Buren

Dear Abby 5/1/25: Starstruck father can’t play it cool around celebrities

May 1, 2025

Tags

Alleghany Alleghany County Bath County Business Cat Clifton Clifton Forge Community County Covington Dear Abby District Echoes of the Past Education Family Featured Forge Game Health Home Individual Information Law Meeting Nation Night Office OK Parent Past People Rent Report Road School South Street Student Team Time Tree VA Virginia War West
QR Code

Distracted Driving Awareness Month: Stay focused, stay safe

by Christopher Mentz
in State News
March 28, 2025
Reading Time: 5 mins read
0
14
SHARES
90
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterEMAIL

RICHMOND—There are countless distractions that can divert motorists’ attention away from driving, and all it takes is a split second before calamity follows.

 

“In one accident, the insured’s glasses fell to the floor,” described John Agee, director of casualty claims for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “He took his eyes off the road to find the glasses and reached down to get them. When he looked up, he had veered off the road, striking a parked vehicle.”

 

That cautionary tale is why industry experts and safety advocates are using April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month to remind motorists of the dangers when their attention is sidetracked.

 

According to Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles crash statistics, distracted driving contributed to 17%, or 21,528, of all traffic crashes in 2023. Of those, 11,521 collisions resulted in injuries, and 64 people were killed.

 

Cellphones remain a leading cause of distracted driving. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which has a research center in Greene County, conducted a survey that found half of drivers engaged in at least one device-based task during their drives over the past month. 

 

IIHS also found that a crash risk is two to six times greater when drivers use cellphones behind the wheel.

 

Virginia adopted a hands-free law prohibiting drivers from handling cellphones while driving. Modern vehicles also offer voice-controlled interfaces to keep drivers’ eyes on the road, but these don’t eliminate distractions entirely. Studies show drivers still glance away to navigate menus or adjust settings, and issuing voice commands can create cognitive inattention.

 

“There are many ‘old school’ distractions as well,” Agee said. “Like those from passenger activity, eating or reaching for items.”

 

To continue combating distracted driving, advocates are promoting a multifaceted approach. Along with strengthening hands-free laws and enforcement, leveraging social relationships is key. Discussions among friends, family, colleagues and coworkers can help make drivers more aware of serious dangers attributed to distracted driving.

 

Advancements in collision avoidance technology also show promise. Warnings and alerts can refocus a distracted, inattentive or tired driver’s attention back onto the road. Some systems intervene to avoid crashes altogether if a driver doesn’t respond fast enough.

 

IIHS offers the following tips for drivers to stay focused and minimize distractions:

 

  • Place cellphones out of reach or use the ‘Do Not Disturb’ feature while driving.
  • Set GPS directions before starting the car.
  • Pull over for important tasks.
  • Secure loose items so they don’t roll around in the car and cause you to reach for them.
  • Avoid multitasking: Don’t eat, apply makeup or adjust controls while in motion.
  • Be well-rested: Drowsiness can lead to distractions and delayed reaction times.
  • Minimize background distractions by encouraging passengers to respect the driver’s need for concentration.

 

This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.

Christopher Mentz

Tags: AttentionCatCountyFamilyHandHighwayLawOKPastPeopleRiskRoadSafetySchoolSystemTechnologyTimeTrafficVirginiaWar

Related Posts

State News

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to offer free Circuit RiderCourse motorcycle safety training

April 30, 2025
State News

No Deadline at the Virginia DMV, Just Your Timeline for a REAL ID

April 26, 2025
State News

Governor’s Order for the Commonwealth of Virginia

April 22, 2025
State News

300 Bright Yellow Signs Appear at Virginia Rest Areas

April 20, 2025
Load More
Next Post

NASCAR Star Ross Chastain Visits Racing College of Virginia to Promote Safe Driving Through Who’s Your Driver? Campaign

The Virginian Review

Serving Covington, Clifton Forge, Alleghany County and Bath County Since 1914.

Information

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Careers
  • Contact Us

© 2022 The Virginian Review | All Rights Reserved. | Powered by Ecent Corporation

No Result
View All Result
  • Menu Item
  • __________________
  • Home
  • Editions
  • News
    • Community
    • Government
  • Obituaries
  • Sports
  • Public Notices
    • Public Announcements
  • The Shadow
  • __________________
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Subscribe
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

© 2022 The Virginian Review | All Rights Reserved. | Powered by Ecent Corporation

Published on March 28, 2025 and Last Updated on March 28, 2025 by Christopher Mentz

x