Child Traffic Accident Deaths Decrease

Recent headlines announced that child car accident deaths decreased by 43% over the last decade. The decrease was attributed to increased use of seat belts and car seats. While it is good news, it underscores the increase in car accidents for teens and inexperienced drivers who are increasingly driving while distracted. Recent changes in Virginia law have made it a primary offense to text while driving. However, enforcement can only be random and sporadic, just as it is for speed limits. The odds of being pulled over for any traffic offense are incredibly low. So if we are to see a decrease in the teen car accident rate, there must be a change in the culture and a recognition by teens that such behavior is incredibly risky. To that end, parents must set the example and avoid talking on the cell phone while driving. I realize that it is unpopular to suggest that we don't answer the ringing cell phone while driving, bu tit is risky driving behavior. Most studies that have looked at talking on the cell phone while driving equate it to driving after having two or three drinks of an alcoholic beverage. But most of us will say that we can drive safely while talking on the cell phone, particularly if we are using a hands free device. Well, most of us are just wrong and science proves it. So if you want your children to drive safely, set a good example. Don't speed and don't talk on the cell phone while driving. Francis P. Hajek Wilson & Hajek, LLC, a personal injury law firm Experienced Injury and Accident Lawyers Serving Virginia, including Albemarle, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, Orange, Greene, Augusta, Buckingham, Staunton, Waynesboro, Culpepper, Richmond, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News