Dangers of Distracted Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, “driver distraction is believed to be a factor in a substantial percentage of collisions”. Research conducted by the NHTSA found that 10-50% percent of rear-end collisions may be related to distracted driving. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident due to someone else’s negligence, call Barnes Cohen & Sullivan. The local law firm you can trust.
According to the CDC, there are three main types of distraction: visual, manual & cognitive. In the United States, over 3,100 people were killed in 2019 and around 424,000 were injured in auto accidents involving a distracted driver. Younger drivers are also more likely to be involved in an accident related to distracted driving. A study found that older teens are more likely and common to text while driving than younger teens and are also more likely to drive with risk factors. Such factors include not always likely to wear a seat belt, are more likely to ride with a driver who had been drinking, and are more likely to drive after drinking alcohol.
Distracted driving can include activities that relate to driving such as checking mirrors, looking out windows, etc. The most common distracted driving events are reaching for an object, turning the radio station, being on the phone in any form, having pet in the vehicle, etc.
Auto accidents can lead to life altering events. Driving while distracted can be preventable. Some tips for drivers include:
- Do not multitask while driving
- If you are a passenger, ask the driver to focus while driving
- Parents can talk to their young rivers about the responsibility of driving, especially with others in the car
- Keep your phone out of hand’s reach
- Use Bluetooth capabilities if you are going to make a call or send a message
Injured in Florida, make sure you hire a local attorney licensed by the Florida Bar. Barnes Cohen & Sullivan serves injury victims in Jacksonville Florida, Jacksonville Beaches Florida, Fernandina Florida, MacClenny Florida, Lake City Florida, St Augustine Florida and throughout North Florida.
Injured in Georgia, make sure you hire a local attorney licensed by the Georgia Bar. Barnes Cohen & Sullivan serves injured victims in St Marys Georgia, Kingsland Georgia, Camden County Georgia, Woodbine Georgia, Waycross Georgia, and Folkston.
If you are unsure if you have a case, call our office for a free consultation at (800) 935-5946.