Are rising traffic fatalities in FL due to distracted driving?

February 09, 2013 (Press-News.org) Are rising traffic fatalities in FL due to distracted driving?

Article provided by Parvey & Frankel Attorneys, P.A.
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In recent years, across the country, concerns have increased regarding the dangerous consequences of distracted driving. As cellphones have become an ever-present gadget by our sides, a rise in the number of motor vehicle accidents caused by drivers distracted by such devices has been noted.

In response, many states have enacted legislation prohibiting certain types of distracted driving. For instance, some states have banned texting while driving. States are also beginning to ban talking on cellphones, as well, particularly on handheld devices.

Florida has not joined the trend, however, in enacting legislation to prevent these dangerous habits.

In addition, many counties in Florida have recently seen a rise in the number of motor vehicle accidents and traffic fatalities. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, seven counties in the state have seen a large rise in the number of fatalities caused by car crashes -- while Florida as a whole has seen a 4 percent increase in traffic fatalities.

Consequently, some people, including Governor Rick Scott, are now questioning whether Florida's lack of distracted driving legislation is partially to blame for this troubling increase in traffic deaths. The governor has ordered a study to determine whether texting while driving is contributing to the increase.

The executive director of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles suggests the rise in traffic fatalities is due, in part, to distracted driving. She also notes that an increase in the number of vehicles on the road may be contributing to the rise. She pointed out that other states in the country -- that have enacted bans on distracted driving -- have reported fewer deaths caused by drivers who are distracted by cellphones or other gadgets.

The dangers of distracted driving in Florida and across the US

As Florida has no laws banning any type of driver distraction, Florida residents are legally able to engage in a variety of risky behaviors while driving, including:
-Talking on a cellphone
-Texting
-Using a GPS device

Participating in these behaviors while driving, however, can have serious consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,092 people died in car, motorcycle or truck accidents caused by distracted drivers in 2010. In addition, another 416,000 people sustained injuries in such accidents in the U.S. that year.

When someone sustains an injury or is killed in an accident caused by a distracted driver, the responsible party should be held accountable. A skilled Fort Myers personal injury attorney can ensure your rights are protected and just compensation is received.