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The High Cost Of Distracted Driving

On Behalf of | Aug 22, 2017 | In the News

In today’s society, our cellphones have become a major presence in our daily lives. Whether we use them to communicate with others, stay updated on current events, or purchase something online, these devices provide a variety of useful functions that may enhance our quality of life.

Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of Americans continue to use their cellphones while operating motor vehicles. Every day in the United States, approximately nine people are killed and more than 1,000 injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver. In 2015 alone, distracted driving claimed 3,477 lives and resulted in 391,000 injuries.

Teens were considered the largest age group reported as distracted at the time of fatal car accidents-with 21% of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes involving cellphones. According to an AAA poll, 94 percent of teen drivers acknowledge the dangers of texting and driving, but 35 percent admitted to doing it anyway.

Distracted driving is defined as any activity which diverts attention away from the primary task of driving a vehicle. These specific actions include talking or texting on your phone, talking to passengers in your vehicle, as well as eating and drinking.

As far as texting is concerned, sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. If you are going 55 mph, it would be similar to driving the entire length of a football field blindfolded. It is imperative to understand that you cannot drive safely unless you give your complete attention to the task of driving.

For more information, contact our Southern California personal injury attorney at Schimmel & Parks, APLC today.