It is becoming clearer that there is a new opponent to our safety. In the 1970’s the implementation of seatbelts fought against the rising amount of car fatalities, it is time to acknowledge and try to problem-solve for the current threat to our roads: distracted driving.
Drivers are more distracted and negligent than they have ever been due to cell phone use. Not only are they using the devices to talk and text, but to also to check their social media accounts and send emails. Making matters worse, research shows that doing activities most think are safe (such as talking on a hands-free device) drastically increases the likelihood of a car accident.
DISTRACTED DRIVING STATISTICS
Distracted driving accounts for more than 50,000 accidents and over 200 deaths each year. The National Safety Council reported that cell phone use while driving represents 25% of all car accidents or approximately 1.6 million crashes each year.
Nearly 390,000 injuries occur each year from accidents caused by texting while driving and, in 2018, 2,841 people died in distraction-related crashes. 94% of drivers support a ban on texting while driving and 74% support a ban on hand-held cell phone use.
TEEN DISTRACTED DRIVING STATISTICS
21% of teen drivers involved in fatal accidents were distracted by their cell phones. In 2018, motor vehicle fatality was the leading cause of death among teenagers; it accounted for 33% of all deaths. If a teen driver has a passenger in their car, the risk of a fatal car accident doubles, and it continues to increase with the number of passengers.
Research on this topic is ongoing, and distracted driving represents a serious threat to our safety. More and more states continue to put laws into effect regarding texting and driving, but you still continue to see it on our roadway. And the more we talk about it, the more drivers will become educated on the issue of distracted driving and the threat it poses. While you cannot control how others are driving around you, you can control how you drive.
Remember to:
- be mindful of your surroundings;
- drive defensively; and
- always avoid distractions while on the road.
In this way, we can all join the fight against distracted driving!
DEDICATED PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS
When a serious car accident occurs, it is best to contact Hardee, Massey & Blodgett, and one of our experienced distracted driving attorneys will discuss your personal injury legal needs with you.
Call our firm today for a case evaluation.