Old Dominion News

Distracted driving remains a significant concern for road safety in Virginia. A recent study by DRIVE SMART Virginia reveals that 66% of Virginians admit to driving distracted, even as 83% recognize the associated risks, particularly concerning smartphone usage without hands-free mode.

As part of April's Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Virginia authorities, including the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), State Police, and DRIVE SMART Virginia, are issuing warnings. VDOT Commissioner Stephen Brich emphasizes the danger: “Distracted driving is far too common these days, and it puts drivers and others on Virginia’s roadways at serious risk."

DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey highlights the underreported issue: “The heartbreaking thing about the statistics we see on distracted driving is that the problem is worse than the numbers show.” Additionally, Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of State Police, stresses the life-threatening risk: “The law requires you to put the phone down and keep your eyes on the road."

Kristin Pettway, Executive Director of DRIVE SMART Virginia, calls for a collective commitment: "Every moment spent distracted behind the wheel is a risk taken with lives—our own and those around us.” She advises focusing solely on driving to prevent accidents.

Statistics illustrate the urgency. In 2024, distracted drivers accounted for 18,688 crashes, resulting in 73 fatalities and 10,222 injuries across Virginia. The primary issue is drivers diverting their attention from the road, with cellphone usage, notably texting, being a major contributor. Notably, cell phone-related distractions increased by 3% from 2023 to 2024.