Virginia Car Accidents

Tips for Avoiding Virginia Car Accidents This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and for many Virginians, that means it’s time to hit the road to visit family. Unfortunately, this travel rush can lead to an increase in traffic volume, which can in turn cause a rise in the number of Virginia car accidents.

This year is expected to be no different, considering experts believe the number of motorists on the road for the holiday this year will be even greater than previous year’s totals. According to an article from WAVY 10 News, TripAdvisor polls showed 43 percent of Americans were planning to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, which was a seven point jump from 2013. The trips aren’t short either, with 60 percent of travelers saying they plan to be in the car for more than 200 miles.

So what can you do to stay safe when traveling for Thanksgiving this year? The Norfolk personal injury attorneys with Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers suggest:

• Leave Early- One of the best ways to avoid holiday traffic is to get out of town before everyone else.
• Plan Ahead- Know the route and traffic conditions along the roads you plan to travel. Also, look for alternate routes in areas where traffic may become congested.
• Inspect Your Vehicle- It may be wise to have your vehicle serviced and inspected prior to traveling. This can include changing your oil, rotating the tires, replacing wiper blades, and filling up with gas.
• Obey the Law- Stay safe by buckling up, slowing down, eliminating distractions, and adhering to traffic signals.
• Be Patient- Road rage is one of the leading causes of accidents today, so remember to breathe deeply and take your time if caught in traffic.

Group Hopes To Reduce Number Of Virginia Car Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving

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.