New report shows 9 people killed by distracted drivers daily in US

March 19, 2014 (Press-News.org) New report shows 9 people killed by distracted drivers daily in US

Article provided by Wills & Adams, LLP
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For many Colorado drivers, multitasking while behind the wheel is likely a common occurrence. Motorists may answer a call while on the way to work or attempt to respond to a text message while out running errands. These widespread habits are risky, however, and can lead to serious auto collisions.

Recent statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may now give Colorado motorists pause before they pick up their cellphone while on the road. According to a recent CDC report, approximately nine people lose their lives in distracted driving collisions in the United States each day. In addition, 1,060 people in the U.S. are injured in such accidents every day.

In total, the CDC found that 3,328 people died in distracted driving accidents in 2012. Experts believe the statistics are actually even higher than reported, as the information compiled by the CDC is based on police reports in which distracted driving is noted as a cause of the crash. In many cases, a distracted driver who causes a collision may not admit to such behavior and, consequently, it may not be identified as a cause of the motor vehicle accident.

The CDC's recent study revealed that 69 percent of American drivers admitted to talking on their cellphone while on the road. In addition, 31 percent reported that they sent emails or text messages while behind the wheel.

Colorado prohibits some distracted driving behaviors

Despite the frequency with which many American motorists engage in distracted driving behaviors, most states have enacted legislation banning certain types of distracting activities while behind the wheel.

In Colorado, all motorists are prohibited from sending or reading text messages while they are driving. Texting while driving is both a common form and an especially dangerous type of driver distraction. When a motorist sends a text message, he or she must remove his or her eyes from the road and use at least one hand to type the message. In addition, the motorist's attention is distracted while composing and sending the text.

In addition, the Colorado legislature has banned novice drivers from using cellphones -- even if they have hands-free capabilities -- when they are driving. Specific prohibitions for younger drivers are common across the country, as they are at the highest risk of being involved in a distracted driving accident that results in a fatality.

Individuals who have been injured or lost a loved one in a distracted driving collision may be entitled to compensation following the accident. To protect your rights in such a situation, consider seeking the counsel of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney.