Distracted Driving Claims Lives by the Thousands

February 23, 2012 (Press-News.org) Distracted Driving Claims Lives by the Thousands

In 2009 alone, 5,474 people were killed and approximately 448,000 more were injured in vehicle accidents involving distracted driving, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That equates to about 15 deaths and 1,200 injuries per day, many of which are entirely preventable.

Drivers of all ages and abilities put themselves and others at risk when they allow themselves to become distracted behind the wheel. Common distractions that contribute to car accidents include:
-Texting or talking on a cell phone
-Eating and drinking
-Grooming
-Adjusting the radio, CD player or MP3 player
-Looking at a map or navigation system

External distractions such as looking at the scene of a previous crash or searching for an address while driving can also lead to accidents.

Texting and Driving: A Deadly Combination

While any type of distracted driving increases the risk of accidents, texting while driving is incredibly risky because it involves all three forms of distraction at once: visual, manual and cognitive. A study by the U.S. Department of Transportation found that sending or receiving a text message takes a driver's eyes away from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. In a vehicle moving at 55 miles per hour, this is the equivalent of driving the entire length of a football field. Not surprisingly, then, texting while driving creates a risk of accidents that is 23 times higher than driving without distractions.

Seek Legal Help if Injured by a Distracted Driver

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident that you believe may have been caused by distracted or reckless driving, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your situation and learn about the possibility of receiving compensation for your injuries and medical expenses.

Article provided by Adelman German, P.L.C.
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