Four out of five car accidents are the result of a distracted driver, say authorities -- and a large portion of those accidents are cell phone-related.
Under Virginia’s current law against texting while driving, police can charge drivers with "failure to pay full time and attention" to the roads. Now Fairfax County authorities are going to go the extra mile to catch distracted drivers.
“We’re going to be stopping drivers that we observe engaging in some type of distracted behavior, whether that’s eating or personal grooming or talking on their cell phone,” said Capt. Susan Culin of Fairfax County Police.
Starting this weekend, officers will stake out streets in raised vehicles like trucks and large SUVs so they can watch drivers on the road.
“If they see a car that’s braking for no apparent reason, they’re going to get up and see what that driver is doing,” said Capt. Mulin. “If they’re doing something that is causing them to be distracted, they’re going to stop them and ticket them.”
Police are also asking residents to take an online survey about distracted driving.
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