Well over 96% of people in America own cell phones. As the technology of phones has grown exponentially in the last 20 years, so has the correlation between cell phone use and car accidents. California is one of many states to adopt distracted driving laws. In fact, Hawaii even has a distracted pedestrian law.
Research now shows that texting while driving is actually more dangerous than driving drunk. Many people don’t realize that texting while driving and other distractions have a very high risk of causing a serious or fatal car crash.
Dangers of Texting While Driving
In the last several years, researchers have been looking into the dangers of texting and driving. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) concluded that texting and driving is 6x more dangerous than drunk driving. Additionally, the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis found that texting causes over 2,600 deaths and 330,000 injuries per year Taking into account the full definition of distracted driving, NHTSA reported that 3,166 people were killed in 2017 in vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.
Texting and driving has replaced driving while intoxicated as the number one cause of accidents and deaths of teenage drivers. A driver who is texting is 23x more likely to be involved in an auto collision than someone who isn’t texting.
How can you help prevent distracted driving?
The best messengers that teenagers can have is their peers. While parents can lead by example, if friends encourage each other not to drive while distracted and follow the practice, this can be one of the best preventive techniques. Teens can look into their local Students Against Destructive Decisions chapter and also make sure to remind their friends, family, and neighbors about the dangers of distracted driving.
Parents need to lead by example. Since teens will typically take after what their parents do, they need to first start by not engaging in distracted driving. Additionally, parents should discuss with their young driver the responsibilities that come with driving—not only to protect themselves, but others on the road as well.
Educators and employers can also play a role in helping to prevent distracted driving. Ask students to commit to distraction-free driving or set a company policy against it.
Hurt in a Texting Car Accident? Find a Sacramento Car Accident Attorney Near You
Texting while driving is one of the main causes of rear-end collisions. But any type of distraction while driving makes the road more dangerous for everyone. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t realize the dangers until it’s too late.
If you were in a texting car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills , lost wages, and pain and suffering. A car accident attorney may be able to help you by conducting an investigation to determine who was at fault in the accident and if the other driver was texting. Many people wonder if they actually need an attorney, but there is nothing wrong with getting a free consultation to figure out your options. Most car accident lawyers are here to help.
Our firm is no different. We are here to offer free and friendly advice to see if hiring a lawyer is the right thing for you. Please feel free to give us a call today at (916) 619-5452, fill out our form online, or email us at info@hanecaklaw.com to discuss your case.
