3 Facts About Texting and Driving That Will Shock You

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3 Shocking Facts About Texting and Driving

Using a handheld electronic device while driving is strictly banned in West Virginia. Yet, we continue to witness lives being destroyed throughout the state as a result of cellphone use and texting while driving. In our office, we see this pain and anguish every day. It never gets easier.

The use of cellphones behind the wheel contributes to an estimated 1.5 million traffic accidents each year and the loss of more than 500 lives. If someone you know continues to text and drive, we hope you’ll join us in giving a thumbs down to this extremely dangerous practice. Perhaps hearing these three worrisome facts from you will help them understand that it’s just not worth it. If the message is truly that important, just pull over.

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Why Morgantown Car Wreck Victims Need Protection

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Seriously Injured? Call Cranston & Edwards PLLC: 304-296-3500

Serving clients in Morgantown, Kingwood, Terra Alta, Weston, Elkins, Beverly, Mill Creek, Pennsboro, Harrisville, Fairmont, Mannington, Bridgeport, Clarksburg, Grafton, Buckhannon, Philippi, Belington and surrounding areas in West Virginia

No one plans to become seriously injured. If you are unable to work and take care of your responsibilities due to a car wreck caused by a careless driver, never go it alone! At Cranston & Edwards, PLLC in Morgantown, we put our personal injury legal experience to work for you with unparalleled integrity. Contact us to request a free evaluation of your case.

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West Virginia Car Accident Statistics

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As car accident lawyers, we are fully aware of the car wreck epidemic in our state. West Virginia, the Mountain State, has a reputation for dangerous driving conditions and dangerous drivers. As a matter of fact, the state is home to one of the highest rates of traffic accidents and traffic fatalities in the country. The state has a rugged terrain and many rural roads, but there is also a high rate of drug abuse. Compounding the problem further, the opioid epidemic has also impacted West Virginia, and drugged driving is a major problem. Another major problem is negligent driving, such as texting while operating a vehcile. These problems are even more dangerous in a state like West Virginia, with unpredictable weather and many winding, rural roadways.

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Increase in Drugged Driving Fatalities in West Virginia

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West Virginia has a growing heroin and prescription drug abuse epidemic and, with it, a surge of drugged driving arrests. Per data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), West Virginia alone has some of the nation’s deadliest drugged drivers. Statistics show there are 2.33 fatal drug-related car wrecks per 100,000 residents in West Virginia.

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West Virginia Outpaces National Average for Fatal Car Crashes

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), West Virginia has more car crash fatalities than the national average, at 14.7 per 100,000 people, compared to 11.6 out of 100,000 people. Part of the reason is the state’s mountainous terrain and winding rural roads, not to mention severe winter weather conditions at higher elevations. Rural roads can be just as dangerous as urban streets, because they tend to be narrower and do not get prioritized for maintenance. In fact, in 2017, 62% of all fatal car crashes in West Virginia occurred on a rural road.

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West Virginia Bans Cell Phone Use While Driving

Posted on by morgantowninjury

Imagine a driver receives a text, the road ahead of them looks clear, so they grab their phone, read the message, and send a quick reply. It takes only a few seconds for them to do this, but when they return their attention to the road, they see that the person in front of them has decelerated to avoid some debris. Having had their eyes off the road, their hands off the steering wheel, and their focus off driving, the distracted driver has no time to react to the unexpected road hazard and slams into the car in front of them.

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How You Can Stay Safe On the Wintry Roads of West Virginia

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The winter conditions in West Virginia means there is snow and ice on the roads just about wherever you go. Are you prepared for it? Staying safe and out of a weather-related car accident depends heavily on knowledge and preparation. Check out these must-know winter driving safety tips before you next drive out into the cold.

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Distracted Drivers & Defensive Driving: A Whole New Level

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It is no surprise that as smartphones were invented and quickly grew in popularity and accessibility, the occurrence of distracted driving increased. Now, years after the first smartphone appeared, it is a daily occurrence to see drivers looking at their phones, no doubt checking social media, text messages, changing music or watching videos. These moments when eyes are off the road and attention is elsewhere are the moments when people can die, be seriously injured and be in disastrous accidents. If you’re involved in an accident with a distracted driver, your injuries and damages warrant compensation. Utilize the experience and knowledge honed by our team of Morgantown auto accident lawyers at Cranston & Edwards, PLLC: put a strong ally on your side.

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The Real Dangers of Texting and Driving

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Ever since the majority of Americans got their hands on smartphones, safety organizations have been scrambling to keep them out of sight while people are driving. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 23% of all car accidents involve one or more drivers using a cellphone at the time of collision; some studies suggest that number could actually be as high as 40% but require more research. It is also believed that one-in-five car accident fatalities among teenagers involve texting behind the wheel. As harrowing as these statistics already are, experts agree that the actual numbers must be much higher, as most drivers will not admit to being on their cellphone while driving due to the illegality of the behavior.

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