A 22-year-old man was killed in a single-vehicle accident in Southampton, Virginia and it appears this tragic accident was the result of distracted driving. Eye witnesses reported to police that the driver was swerving and driving recklessly while using a handheld device.
Investigators ruled out speed or alcohol as contributing factors.
Accidents such as this should cause us all to stop, take a step back, and examine the on-going and ever present danger of distracted driving.
The statistics for distracted driving are daunting.
Teens and drivers in their early and mid twenties are particularly susceptible to distracted driving. Over a quarter (25 percent) of all teens have admitted to texting while driving, while 20 percent have admitted to multi-text conversations while driving.
The result? Well, 21 percent of fatal crashes involving young adults were due to distracted driving or use of a cell phone while driving.
The best way to end distracted driving is to educate those most at risk. Discussing stories such as these, and examining the potential hazards of distracted driving with your children and family members will help bring awareness to this dangerous habit.
Understanding the problem is the first towards changing the action.
We all must do our part to put an end to accidents such as this.
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