New study finds more fatalities caused by distracted drivers than reported

June 13, 2013

Despite numerous public awareness campaigns and studies indicating the dangerous nature of distracted driving, the National Safety Council has recently reported that distracted driving fatalities are still significantly underreported across the country.

The NSC reviewed data from 180 motor vehicle accidents that resulted in a fatality between 2009 and 2011 that were likely caused by a distracted driver. Of those, very few were reported as being the result of distracted driving. In 2009, only 8 percent were recorded as distracted driving crashes. By 2011, 50 percent were recorded properly -- still representing a large gap in reporting the actual fatalities caused by distracted driving.

Among the factors identified as causing this discrepancy, experts note that it can be challenging to determine whether cellphone use was involved in an auto accident, unless the responsible party reports that information to a law enforcement officer. Even then, police officers do not always record such information.

In addition, the researchers found that there is a large difference in the number of fatalities reported by different states. For instance, reports from Tennessee indicated it had the largest number of fatal distracted driving collisions of any state in the country. In 2011, Tennessee reported 93 fatalities caused by distracted drivers. In comparison, a state with three times the population of Tennessee -- New York -- reported only one distracted driving fatality in 2011.

These discrepancies have created problems for lawmakers and safety advocates seeking to strengthen the anti-distracted driving laws across the country, as the national statistics do not seem to reflect the actual danger posed by people talking and texting on their cellphones.

Distracted driving laws in Tennessee

Under Tennessee law, all drivers are prohibited from texting while behind the wheel. Texting is considered an especially dangerous form of distraction, although reports have recently been released indicating texting bans can be difficult to enforce. According to Tennessee officials, law enforcement officers issue, on average, 24 citations for violating the texting ban each month. In total, they have issued just under 1,000 citations since they began keeping track in January 2010.

In addition, Tennessee law bans both novice drivers and bus drivers from using a cellphone of any type while driving, including cellphones that contain hands-free technology.

After sustaining an injury in a motor vehicle accident caused by a distracted driver, seeking the advice of a personal injury attorney is a wise step to ensure your rights are protected.

Article provided by Soble, Poss & Moore PLLC
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