Distracted Driving Awareness Day

RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia's Governor Tim Kaine and insurance company Allstate have joined forces to sponsor Distracted Driving Awareness Day on Wednesday, April 29.

The initiative was created to crack down on negligent driving habits and to promote safe and alert drivers.

"We recognize the need to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving," said Debbie Pickford, Allstate Field Corporate Relations Manager. "All drivers would benefit by making the commitment to eliminate their dangerous driving habits."

A Virginia Tech Transportation Institute study found that 8 of 10 accidents involved distracted drivers.

Using a cell phone while driving is considered to be one of the major distraction for drivers. Studies show that a driver is four times more likely to wreck when a driver is talking on a cell phone. That likelihood increases to six times for those texting.

On July 1 a Virginia law prohibiting texting behind the wheel will go into effect.