The Text Can Wait – Avoid Distracted Driving

Texting while driving is a dangerous and growing epidemic, particularly in Florida, where the combination of heavy traffic, tourism, and a bustling population increases the risks. Distracted driving, especially due to texting, is one of the leading causes of accidents on Florida’s roads. Understanding these dangers and knowing what steps to take if involved in an accident can save lives and protect your legal rights. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident due to texting and driving, call our personal injury firm, Barnes Cohen & Sullivan, for a free consultation.

The Prevalence of Texting & Driving

Administration (NHTSA) reports that texting while driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than driving under the influence of alcohol. In Florida, the statistics are particularly alarming.

Florida ranks among the top states for distracted driving accidents. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), distracted driving was responsible for nearly 300 fatalities in Florida.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as any activity that causes the driver to divert their attention from driving, such as texting or talking on the phone, eating or drinking, conversing with passengers, or adjusting a navigation system.

The Risks and Consequences

Texting while driving significantly impairs a driver’s ability to focus on the road. It involves three types of distractions: visual, manual, and cognitive. When texting, drivers take their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, and their minds off driving. Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to catastrophic accidents.

Some common risks associated with texting and driving include:

  1. Higher Likelihood of Collisions: Texting drivers are more likely to drift into other lanes, miss traffic signals, and fail to notice stopped vehicles ahead.
  2. Increased Reaction Time: Texting slows down a driver’s reaction time, making it difficult to respond to sudden changes in traffic conditions.
  3. Reduced Situational Awareness: Drivers who text are less aware of their surroundings, including other vehicles, pedestrians, and road signs.

 

According to the Florida Highway Safety Motor Vehicles Department (FLHSMV), there is an auto accident every 44 seconds. Distracted driving is a major influence on serious accidents, especially texting and driving. If you have been injured due to the negligence of a distracted driver, call Barnes Cohen and Sullivan for a free consultation. Our offices in Florida & Georgia are here for you.

Stay safe, stay focused, and remember: no text is worth a life.