August 5, 2013
Driver distraction is quickly becoming one of the leading contributing factors to motor vehicle accidents in the state of Virginia, especially in crashes involving teens. In an effort to reduce the number of these Virginia Car Accidents, an organization, called Youth of Virginia Speak Out (YOVASO), held an event on the campus of Lynchburg College aimed at making young drivers more aware of the dangers distracted driving can pose.
According to ABC 13 News, the campaign consisted of a driving simulator where teens got behind the wheel and maneuvered the simulated vehicle through a virtual reality setting. Drivers were then asked to operate the simulator while getting their phones out, taking a call, and even sending and receiving text messages.
Motorists in such a situation can typically take their eyes off the road for as long as five seconds. If a vehicle is traveling at highway speeds though, these short periods of inattention can become the equivalent of driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
The program hopes to promote a grassroots message with participants taking their experiences in the simulator back to their hometowns, where they can then discuss what happened and the risks of distracted driving with their peers.
The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley applaud the campaign and hope it is successful in reducing the number of distracted driving accidents that occur in Virginia each year.
