Norfolk Car Accident Attorneys

Norfolk Car Accident Attorneys Discuss Battle Against Distracted Driving in Virginia

Distracted driving has become a major issue on the roadways of Virginia in recent years. A study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute shows that 80 percent of all crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes are the result of a driver’s inattention within three seconds of the accident occurring.

Officials and many organizations in the state are working to keep inattentive drivers off the road through several different campaigns and events. The Norfolk car accident attorneys at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers points out that one of those programs uses roadside “monsters” to persuade motorists to put the phone down.

The massive creatures were constructed using traffic barrels, cones, and other equipment typically found at a roadside construction site. The “monsters” are then placed next to the road as a reminder to drivers not to talk on the phone or text while traveling.

The Commonwealth of Virginia has also declared April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. As part of the campaign, the organization Drive Smart Virginia is asking motorists to sign a pledge promising not to drive distracted.

The Norfolk personal injury lawyers with Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers remind Virginians there are other ways you can prevent yourself from becoming a distracted driver, including:

• Make a Plan– Create a schedule that allows you enough time to get where you’re going without needing to multitask behind the wheel. Also, know the route you plan to travel to your destination before the vehicle moves.
• Concentrate– Eliminate the most obvious distractions—like cellphones, food, drink, or music—before driving. Once the car is in motion, be sure to focus on the road rather than your surroundings.
• Pull Over– If you must take a phone call, email, or text, be sure to pull over at the next safe location before doing so.

We hope these tips help to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Norfolk Car Accident Attorneys Discuss Upcoming National Work Zone Awareness Week

Highway traffic collisions are dangerous for anyone who is involved, but especially for road crews who may be working in the area where an accident occurs. In Virginia alone, there were more than 3,000 work zone accidents in 2012. Those crashes resulted in 1,500 injuries and 13 fatalities.

To help educate the public about the dangers of work zone accidents, the Norfolk car accident attorneys with Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers explain that this week has been named “National Work Zone Awareness Week”.

As part of the event, the Virginia Department of Transportation has announced it will be doing its part to raise awareness about the issue of work zone safety by holding a vigil at the state’s VDOT Worker’s Memorial. According to WAVY 10 News, the memorial is located along I-64, near the town of Afton Mountain. The vigil will feature several speakers discussing the importance of work zone safety as a way to remember fallen workers.

For those who are unable to attend, it’s important to remember that the best way to promote work zone safety is to practice work zone safety. This means slowing down in all posted construction and work zones. It’s also important to allow yourself plenty of time to stop in work zone traffic by not following other vehicles too closely and avoiding distractions at all costs.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen the devastating results motor vehicle crashes in work zones can have. That’s why our Norfolk personal injury lawyers are hopeful National Work Zone Safety Week will effectively raise awareness about this very serious highway danger.