Posted on April 22, 25

in Uncategorized

Every time you glance at your phone while driving, you’re putting lives at risk—yours, your passengers’, and everyone else sharing the road. Distracted driving isn’t just dangerous; it’s a leading cause of preventable crashes in West Virginia and across the U.S.

At Tiano O’Dell, we’ve seen firsthand how one moment of inattention can lead to life-changing consequences. In recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, this guide explains the different types of distractions, who’s most at risk, and what to do if you’re injured by a distracted driver in West Virginia.

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts your attention from driving. It typically falls into three categories:

  • Visual – Taking your eyes off the road (e.g., reading a text or checking GPS)
  • Manual – Taking your hands off the wheel (e.g., reaching for a phone or snack)
  • Cognitive – Taking your mind off driving (e.g., daydreaming or deep conversations)

Even seemingly harmless actions—like adjusting music, eating, or glancing at your phone—can become fatal distractions behind the wheel.

How Common Is Distracted Driving?

The statistics are sobering. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

  • Over 3,500 lives were lost due to distracted driving in 2021.
  • At least 23% of crashes in 2011 involved cell phone use.
  • Taking your eyes off the road for 5 seconds at 55 MPH is like driving the length of a football field—blindfolded.

And many cases go unreported, making the problem even more serious than the numbers suggest.

Who’s Most at Risk?

While distracted driving affects everyone, certain groups are especially vulnerable:

  • Teens and young adults – More likely to text, scroll, or use social media
  • Commercial and delivery drivers – Often multitasking under tight deadlines
  • Long-distance commuters – Likely to eat, call, or manage tasks on the go

Risks skyrocket when distractions are combined with speeding, fatigue, or inexperience. Multitasking while driving isn’t efficient—it’s deadly.

The Real-Life Impact of Distracted Driving

The effects of distracted driving go far beyond bent bumpers:

  • Legal consequences – Fines, license points, higher insurance, or even criminal charges
  • Physical injuries – Ranging from whiplash and broken bones to permanent disability or death
  • Emotional toll – Survivors, families, and communities often face trauma and long-term grief

These aren’t just statistics—they’re stories we hear from clients every day.

Changing behavior behind the wheel starts with simple but powerful steps:

  •     Silence your phone or turn on “Do Not Disturb While Driving”
  •     Set up navigation and playlists before you start moving
  •     Avoid multitasking: don’t eat, text, or apply makeup in traffic
  •     Ask passengers for help with directions or phone calls
  •     Pull over safely if something requires your attention

The most important message? It can wait. No message, meal, or playlist is worth a life.

5 Practical Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving

You have more control than you think. Try these simple steps to stay focused behind the wheel:

  1. Silence your phone or use “Do Not Disturb While Driving” mode
  2. Set GPS and music before you start driving
  3. Avoid multitasking – No texting, eating, or grooming in traffic
  4. Let passengers help with navigation or calls
  5. Pull over safely if something needs your attention

The bottom line: It can wait. No message, meal, or playlist is worth a life.

Injured by a Distracted Driver in West Virginia? Here’s What to Do

If you or someone you love has been injured due to a distracted driver, take these steps right away:

  • Seek medical attention – Some injuries take hours or days to appear
  • Document the scene – Take photos, get witness information, and file a police report
  • Track your expenses – Keep records of medical bills, missed work, and other costs
  • Contact an attorney – A personal injury lawyer can fight for the compensation you deserve

At Tiano O’Dell, PLLC, we handle everything from investigation to litigation. Our experienced team knows how to deal with insurers and build strong cases for our clients—so you can focus on healing.

Don’t Wait—Protect Your Rights Today

Distracted driving is a public safety crisis—and a personal tragedy for too many families in West Virginia. If you’ve been affected, don’t navigate the aftermath alone.

Contact Tiano O’Dell for a free consultation today. As experienced West Virginia personal injury attorneys, we’re here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.