What is a primary cause of death in the United States each and every year? Car accidents. And what is a leading cause of car accidents in 2019? Distracted driving.
In fact, according to the National Safety Council, every day, there are at least 100 people injured in our country, and at least nine people killed, in distracted driving-related crashes. As April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to familiarize yourself with the various types of distracted driving and the dangers of distracted driving, and to take the pledge to drive distraction-free.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most deadly behaviors that people can engage in. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2017 alone, there were 3,166 lives lost to distracted driving.
The use of a cellphone is one of the most dangerous distractions behind the wheel. This is, in large part, because a cellphone distracts a driver manually (hands off of the wheel), visually (eyes off of the road), and cognitively (mind off of driving). The Insurance Information Institute (III) shares data suggesting that in a single year, there were at least 444 cellphone-related distracted driving fatal crashes, and at least 486 fatalities.
Types of Distracted Driving
While the use of a cellphone may be the most dangerous type of distracted driving--and perhaps the most common due to the widespread use of the mobile device in the 21st century-- it’s certainly not the only one. Any behavior that distracts attention from the act of driving can be dangerous. Examples of behaviors that should be avoided while driving include:
- Eating;
- Drinking;
- Applying makeup;
- Self-grooming;
- Attending to passengers or pets;
- Reading;
- Changing the radio;
- Adjusting vehicle controls, mirrors, etc.;
- Daydreaming; and
- Rubbernecking.
In some cases, even just talking to other passengers can be dangerous.
What You Can Do to Help Reduce Fatal Crashes in Our Country
You can help to put an end to distracted driving and contribute to a positive reduction in the number of injury-causing and fatal car accidents in our country. We encourage you to put away your cellphone when driving, speak up when you see friends or family members driving distracted, talk to your teen about distracted driving, and implement a company policy against distracted driving (for certain employees).
You can also commit to driving distraction-free by taking the pledge today.
Our Lawyers Support Distraction-Free Driving
At the office of DJC Law, we want to help get the word out about the fact that April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. As lawyers for survivors and families of those impacted by motor vehicle crashes, our team at DJC Law is acutely aware of the consequences of this growing problem. Our lawyers are committed to driving distraction-free, and if you have been in a crash caused by a distracted driver, we are here to represent you in your claim for damages. Please reach out to us today for your free consultation at 512-888-9999.
