Last month, we discussed the dangers of distracted driving. In short, any type of distraction increases the likelihood of being involved in an accident. Subsequently, the chance of injury or death also rises.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continues to do its part in fighting against distracted driving, sharing information and advice with anybody and everybody who takes to the road in a motor vehicle.
Facts to Know About Distracted Driving
Here are a few distracted driving stats that continue to worry organizations such as the NHTSA, as well as law enforcement officials throughout the country:
- At any given time during the daylight hours, there are roughly 660,000 drivers in the US using a cell phone or other type of electronic device. With the use of technology on the rise, this number could increase in the future.
- You are three times more likely to be involved in an accident when engaging in visual-manual subtasks, such as texting or checking email.
- Drivers in their 20s are responsible for 27% of the distracted drivers in fatal accidents.
- In 2018 alone, over 2,800 people were killed from distracted driving. Another 400,000 experienced injuries due to a distracted driving car accident.
The rate of distracted driving car accidents and injuries continues to increase each year. Even with laws in place, people still don’t always understand the severe consequences of distracted driving.
What is Distracted Driving?
Most people are aware that using your phone is dangerous. But, distracted driving also includes other behaviors:
- Eating while driving
- Interacting with a passenger
- Reaching for an item in the backseat
- Applying makeup
- Changing the radio station
- Interacting with other drivers
- Changing your vehicle’s settings
- Cleaning up a mess
Distracted driving is any behavior that takes your attention away from the action of driving. Even something that might seem small, like interacting with a backseat passenger, can take your attention away from the road for long enough to reduce your reaction time. If another vehicle slams on their brakes, those few seconds can lead to an accident.
How to Stay Safe on the Road
By sharing stats, the NHTSA hopes to alert people of the dangers of distracted driving. In addition to not using your phone while driving, it is also a good idea to avoid other distractions. Keep necessary items in an easy-to-reach place and keep your phone out-of-reach. If your vehicle has hands-free technologies, be sure to activate them before getting on the road.
If a person is injured by a distracted driver, he or she may take the time to meet with a personal injury attorney to learn more about their legal rights. Distracted driving is considered negligence, so depending on the actions of the driver and the cause of the accident, you may have legal options available.
Car accidents can lead to many costs, including medical bills and lost wages. Determining your legal options can help you collect the funds you need to cover these costs. If you were injured in a car accident, make sure you consider your options as soon as possible. The state puts limits on how long you have to file a car accident case, and this time limit can come very fast.