Buckle Up, Phone Down.

In Virginia, it’s illegal to operate a moving motor vehicle while holding a phone.

“But people do it all the time!”

 

How can you protect yourself against distracted drivers?

1. Buckle-Up! It’s your best defense against an impaired, distracted, or reckless driver.
2. Put down your phone. You need your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel so you can react to hazards (such as distracted drivers).

Do you know…

• Nearly 20% of Virginia drivers do not wear their seat belts.
• Eight percent of fatal crashes, an estimated 13 percent of injury crashes, and an estimated 13 percent of all
  police-reported motor vehicle crashes in 2023 were reported as distraction-involved.
• In 2023 there were 3,275 people killed and an estimated additional 324,819 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers.
• Five percent of all drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes in 2023 were reported as distracted at the time
  of the crashes. Seven percent of drivers 15 to 20 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as
  distracted. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of the
  fatal crashes.
• In 2023 there were 611 nonoccupants (pedestrians, pedalcyclists, and others) killed by distraction-involved crashes.

Take action against distraction…

• Download an app. Enable a “Do Not Disturb” app to block incoming calls or messaging while the vehicle is in motion.
• Park before eating. Before you spill anything, pull into a safe space to eat or drink.
• Hands-free isn’t risk-free. Even if the phone isn’t in your hand, there are still dangers involved when a driver doesn’t fully concentrate on the road.
• Be a good passenger. Do your best to help the driver and be an extra set of eyes on the road.
• Have a plan. Plan to silence your phone, turn it off, or put it somewhere out of reach when you’re driving.
• Have a strong, clear policy. Make it a rule: No handheld phones while driving.
• Protect yourself. A seat belt is your best defense against a distracted driver.
• Speak up. Request your driver stop driving distracted. After all, your life is in their hands.
• Change your voicemail. Notify callers that you are driving or otherwise unavailable.

The “postcard” images at the top of this page are available for download from our Toolkits Page.