At times, it might seem that driving comes as a secondary concern for some motor vehicle operators. In fact, the  Department of Motor Vehicles cites a study from the National Highway Safety Administration (NHSTA) and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) that asserts “driver distractions are the leading cause of most vehicle crashes and near-crashes.”

Common Causes of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is any action that diverts the motor vehicle operator’s full attention from the road. Listed below are a few of the most common driving distractions, as cited by the NHSTA/VTTI traffic accident study:

• The use of a cell phone or texting while driving.
• Outside distractions, such as looking for a street address or at a car accident.
• Reading or looking at a map.
• Using the mirror to fix hair, apply makeup, etc.
• Taking hands off of the wheel to reach for something.

Other commonly cited driving distractions – particularly for younger and teen drivers –include:

• Talking to passengers
• Eating while driving
• Changing CDs or making adjustments to the car’s controls
• Driving while angry or suffering from emotional distress

Statistics on Distracted Driving Accidents

Statistics on distracted driving prove that it can be a dangerous, if not deadly, mistake. In a study related to car accidents and driver distraction, the NHSTA found:

• 80% of traffic crashes were related to distracted driving
• Distracted drivers played a role in 60% of “near-misses”
• Cell phone use ranks high among the causes of distracted driving. It is believed that at any moment, 10% of all drivers in the U.S. are using a cell phone.

It takes only a few seconds – far less time than it takes to type a text message, or dial a cell phone – of driver distraction to cause a serious car accident.

If you’ve been the victim of a recent Virginia car accident, you might be wondering if a distracted driver contributed to your crash. First, consider the circumstances surrounding your car accident and any causes that were cited by the local authorities. Next, you should consult with a personal injury attorney that specializes in Virginia distracted driver car accident cases. It is important that the accident lawyer you choose to represent you has handled cases like yours and understands distracted driver vehicle accidents.