An epidemic is sweeping Virginia.
It’s not contagious, but distracted driving is racking up a hefty death toll.
The Division of Motor Vehicles reports 208 people were killed on Virginia roadways in 2017 as a result of distracted driving, according to a press release from Drive Smart Virginia.
To combat the prevalence of distracted driving, Governor Ralph Northam has declared April Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The declaration had been requested by Drive Smart Virginia.
“With distraction-related traffic fatalities on the rise again this year, we’re asking companies, organizations, and individuals throughout Virginia to help spread the message that distracted driving is an epidemic that is killing nine and injuring more than 1,000 people each day in the United States,” Janet Brooking, executive director of Drive Smart Virginia, said. “Parents need to set a better example for their kids, companies need to create and enforce stronger policies, and legislators need to strengthen our current distracted driving laws.”
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration estimates more than 600,000 Americans are using electronic devices while driving at any given second, and the National Institute of Health reports driving while distracted substantially increases the risk of an accident.
Founded in 1995 by six insurance companies, Drive Smart Virginia is a nonprofit that attempts to raise awareness and change drivers’ behavior to make roadways safer. The organization attempts to foster community partnerships, gives presentations to schools and offices, and hosts the annual Distracted Driving Summit.
The residents of Greater Williamsburg have also made their own efforts to combat distracted driving, including the Take Action Against Distraction license plate design contest which a Jamestown High junior is competing in.
Three Tabb High School students also took home first place in the Hampton Roads No 2 Distracted Driving campaign.
Correction: This article originally stated a Jamestown High junior had won the Take Action Against Distraction licence plate design contest. The article has been updated to reflect a winner had not been announced as of April 9, 2018.
