Millions of people die from car accidents every year in the United States. Over the past decade, the majority of these deaths are caused by distracted driving, specifically due to cellphone usage. Whether it’s talking on the phone, texting, or checking your e-mails, our modern society heavily relies on these devices to conduct our daily activities. However, our dependence on cellphone have proven costly when we get behind the wheel.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, over 3,000 people were killed and almost half a million were injured in motor vehicle collisions involving distracted drivers. Drivers engaged in text messaging on their cellphones are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash. If you’re driving 55 miles per hour, the average text takes your eyes off the road long enough to cover a football field.
Other common forms of distracted driving include the following:
- Eating and drinking
- Grooming
- Using a navigation system
- Talking to passengers
- Adjusting the radio
- Watching a video
- Reading
Despite the new laws designed to curtail distracted driving, accidents, injuries and fatalities still occur. As licensed drivers, we have a responsibility to always practice safe driving and maintain awareness of other drivers around us.
Distracted driving, even if it’s only for a few seconds, is enough for us to be vulnerable to potential hazards on the road while not having the appropriate amount of time to react in a safe manner. April is the month to educate everyone, especially young drivers, about the dangers of distracted driving by showing them the facts and convincing them that it’s not worth it.
If you have been involved in a car accident and suffered serious injuries due to distracted driving, contact our Tampa Bay car accident attorney and schedule your complimentary consultation today.