Texting Drivers in Virginia May Soon Face Heavy Penalties

Have you ever marveled at the fact that a texting motorist in Virginia could drive right by a police officer and not be pulled over?  It is true.  Texting while driving is – for now – a secondary offense, which means a driver can only be cited for texting if he or she is nabbed for another offense like speeding.

All this may be about to change.  Several Virginia Delegates have put together a bill that would make operating a hand-held device while driving a car a primary offense – reason enough to pull over a driver caught in the act.  According to an article in the Washington Examiner, under the bill, texting, emailing and similar activities while behind the wheel would become “reckless driving,” a Class 1 misdemeanor that could result in up to one year in prison, a $2,500 fine or both.

“We all know how dangerous it is to take our eyes off the road, even for a second,” says Herndon injury lawyer Doug Landau.  “Laws designed to protect the public do work.  Case in point: mandatory seatbelt laws.  How many lives have been saved by the requirement to wear a seatbelt?  Let’s see what Virginia lawmakers can do to reduce the number of distracted drivers on our roads.”

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident driven by a distracted driver and there are questions as to what laws apply, email or call ABRAMS LANDAU at once (703-796-9555).

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