Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving killed 3,142 people in 2020 alone. Here are five facts about distracted driving that you need to know.
Distracted Driving Statistics
1.Texting is Particularly Dangerous
Texting is one of the most common forms of distracted driving. According to NHTSA, an estimated 14 percent of fatal distracted driving-related accidents involved cellphone use.
2. It’s Not Just Cell Phone Use
Most people think of texting and checking social media when they hear about distracted driving, but there are many other activities that can qualify as distractions behind the wheel. Eating or drinking, adjusting the radio, and even deep conversations with passengers all count as distractions while driving. After all, there are three categories of distraction:
- Manual Distraction – When your hands are taken from the wheel
- Cognitive Distraction – When your mind is taken from driving
- Visual Distraction – When your eyes are taken from the road
3. You Can’t Always Rely on Technology
Many automakers have added features that attempt to prevent drivers from using their phones behind the wheel, like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but these technologies don’t always work as intended—and they certainly don’t prevent all forms of distracted driving. In fact, some of this software may actually encourage distracted driving. At one time, Tesla allowed video games to be played on their center consoles while the vehicle was in motion. After an investigation by the NHTSA, Tesla disabled this feature from working while in motion.
4. Young Drivers are Most at Risk
Out of all age groups involved in fatal accidents, young drivers between 15-20 years old were most likely to be driving while distracted. This age group has been shown to be especially prone to taking risks when operating a motor vehicle; however, no driver should ever feel comfortable operating a vehicle while engaging in any activity which could potentially take their focus away from the road ahead.
5. You Can Seek Compensation After an Accident Caused by Distracted Driving
If you or someone close to you has been injured or killed due to a driver who was texting behind the wheel or otherwise engaged in some form of distracted behavior while operating a vehicle, then do not hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you receive compensation for damages sustained in such an incident! No one should have to suffer financially because another driver chose not to pay attention while on the road; by speaking with an attorney today, you may be able to receive compensation for medical bills incurred due to injuries caused by another person’s negligence on the road!
Distracted driving remains one of our nation’s most serious safety concerns. It only takes one second for disaster to strike. If you have suffered injuries because someone else was engaged in distracting behavior while behind the wheel, then do not hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today who can help get justice for those affected by negligent behavior.
How Schlesinger Law Offices, P.A. Can Help
At Schlesinger Law Offices, P.A., we take distracted driving seriously. Our team of experienced attorneys has helped countless people recover the compensation they deserve after being injured in a car accident caused by distracted driving. We understand how difficult it can be to deal with the aftermath of an accident, and we’re here to make sure you get the justice you deserve.
Contact us today at (954) 467-8800 for a free consultation.
