Whether you are at the deli counter at the supermarket, in the waiting room at the dentist’s office or sharing a quiet dinner at your local Italian restaurant, you are likely surrounded by people texting or talking into their concealed headsets to someone miles away. But even the staunchest defender of today’s plugged-in, always-on lifestyle should agree there is no place for it behind the wheel of a car.
Despite all the talking, many have not gotten the message
Unfortunately, the undeniable logic that distracted drivers cause accidents is still lost on many people. In 2012, more than 420,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver, a 9 percent increase over 2011. Teens are at greatest risk, as drivers under age 20 comprise the largest proportion of distracted drivers. Also, 11 percent of all drivers in this age group who were involved in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted at the time of the crash. Distracted driving is any activity that diverts the driver’s attention from operating the car. While this most notably includes texting and cellphone use, it also involves watching a video, grooming, reading, and eating or drinking.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx is passionate about stopping the epidemic of distracted driving. Under his leadership, the Department of Transportation has pushed for effective laws and tough enforcement. Today, 41 states ban texting. Research shows enforcement of these laws decreases distracted driving accidents.
Call a personal injury attorney at GLS Injury Law, P.C if you have suffered a personal injury involving a distracted driver. We have the experience to successfully represent you.
