The Scary Realization of Distracted Driving

transportation and vehicle concept - man drinking coffee and usi

Some might think that distracted driving only occurs when the driver is texting. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines distracted driving as any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, or fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system.  During the holiday season it’s important to understand the impact distracted driving can have on you and other drivers. The holidays are supposed to bring joy and happiness, but one simple text or one simple change of CD can affect that holiday spirit.

Statistics on Distracted Driving

The Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) reports that at least 9 people are killed every day because of a distracted driver and more than 1,000 people are injured every day due to a distracted driver. Moreover, in the year 2015 alone, 42 percent of teens reported that they have texted while driving and it is no surprise that texting and driving is the leading cause of death for teens.

When you decide to send a text message while driving, you make it 23 times more likely that a crash will occur. Texting is not the only dangerous activity while behind the wheel. Dialing a phone number makes a crash 2.8 times more likely; talking or listening on your cellular or Bluetooth device makes a crash 1.3 times more likely; and reaching for a device makes a crash 1.4 times more likely. Furthermore, texting while driving is about 6 times more likely to cause an accident than driving while intoxicated.

Tips to Help Stay Focused

GEICO Insurance gives a few easy tips to follow to stay distraction free while driving:

  1. Use your cellphone for emergency situations only. Even when an emergency situation arises, it’s best to pull over before making a phone call.
  2. Limit the number of passengers and activity level inside the car. Trying to keep up with the conversation in the car instead of focusing on the task of driving can be very distracting. Multitasking while driving is very distracting.
  3. Avoid eating while driving. According to GEICO, food spills are a major cause of distraction and can lead to an unnecessary fender bender.

Contact Us Today

The injury lawyers at Bottaro Law Firm, LLC have not only the skill and experience to represent victims of motor vehicle crashes, they also have the resources to investigate the accident and fight to protect your legal rights. Get the sort of representation that you deserve. Our experienced legal team is available 24/7 for a free consultation. Give us a call at 401-777-7777.