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We often think of distracted driving as involving cell phones or other devices. However, a serious chain-reaction nine vehicle accident occurred this week in New Kent County, Virginia after a truck driver reached for some water, according to police reports.
The Virginia Gazette reported on how police charged the driver of a box truck with reckless driving in the wake of the wreck on Interstate 64 near mile marker 222.
Virginia State Police said the 41-year-old driver from Norfolk was driving a 2007 Freightliner box truck in the left lane when he approached slowing traffic. The Gazette reported he told police that he looked down to get water and when he looked up, the traffic had suddenly stopped. The truck driver hit a Toyota minivan, which then struck a Chevrolet Silverado pickup.
see this video about trucking accidents in Virginia
When trucks are involved in crashes, the consequences are often more serious than in accidents involving smaller vehicles. In this case, the impact caused a chain reaction in which six other vehicles, including two tractor trailers, were involved in separate accidents.
Four people were transported to MCV Hospital in Richmond for treatment of their injuries. No information was available on their condition, the Gazette reported. The crash closed I-64 for hours.
Distracted driving is one of the most serious problems we see as Virginia trucking accident lawyers on the roads of the Commonwealth. In the recent book The Best Book About Virginia Trucking Accidents, which I wrote with my colleague Jim Hurley, I explain how commercial truck drivers are banned from texting on cell phones across the country. They are also banned from reaching out and holding a cell phone.
Of course there is no ban on reaching out for other items such as water or a sandwich, but if you are a truck driver you should keep these items in an easily accessible place and always keep your eyes on the road.
If you have been hurt by an accident caused by a truck you may have a case against the driver and the trucking company. Call Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers at 757.455.0077 for a free consultation.