Did you know a minimum of eight people die every day because of motor vehicle accidents involving distracted drivers? On top of that, an additional 1,161 people are injured each day, according to reports by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Distracted driving is very obviously deadly, and despite the growing awareness for the danger, studies show distracted driving is on the rise.
In their annual State Farm Distracted Driving Survey, the company found that the rise in distracted drivers is most likely coming from increased internet use on smartphones while driving. A staggering 29% of those surveyed admitted to using some type of internet service on their cell phone while driving. As fewer people use handheld phones, more and more are taking advantage of advanced technology, but at a deadly cost.
Studies by AAA have revealed the average “distraction” lasts about 27 seconds. While you may only glance at your phone for a few seconds (which is still dangerous in and of itself), your mind continues to be elsewhere, rather than focusing on the road. Distracted driving is more than just looking away from the road. Anything that distracts your eyes, hands, or mind from driving is considered dangerous.
While phone use is one of the most prominent types of distracted driving, it certainly isn’t the only thing that leads to dangerous crashes. Distracted driving can include absolutely anything that steers the driver’s attention away from the task at hand.
The following are a few common examples of distracted driving:
- Talking on the phone
- Texting
- Changing the radio or other music devices
- Checking or updating social media
- Taking pictures or video
- Eating
- Putting on makeup
- Using vehicle or phone navigation
Unfortunately, the highest proportion of distracted driving fatalities occurs in drivers under the age of 20. According to a study by The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, 2 out of 5 high school students who drove in the past 30 days sent a text or email while they were driving. The study also discovered that distracted drivers are also far more likely to either drive drunk or get into the car with a drunk driver.
Distracted driving is a serious and dangerous issue, one that federal resources estimate causes 16% of all fatal crashes and leads to about 5,000 deaths in the United States, annually. While various programs, government and otherwise, have put mass efforts into spreading public awareness for the dangers of distracted driving, the issue can really only be solved when drivers begin making a change.
From all of us at Ovadia Law Group, we encourage you to stay safe on the road and avoid distracted driving. Not only could it make the roads a safer place, it could save the lives of you and your passengers.
If you were in an accident with a distracted driver and were injured, we want to help. At Ovadia Law Group we provide compassionate legal guidance to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injury and other damages.
