Is Distracted Driving Really A Big Deal?
Distracted driving is a problem that is becoming more and more prevalent on our roads. In 2013, there were nearly 421,000 car crashes caused by distracted drivers, resulting in nearly three thousand deaths. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving was responsible for 3,450 deaths in 2016 alone. That’s an increase of 5.6% from the year before. And it’s not just fatalities that are on the rise. The number of car wrecks caused by distracted driving has been increasing steadily for years. So what exactly is distracted driving? Distracted driving is anything that takes your attention away from the task of driving. This can include activities like talking on the phone, texting, eating, drinking, or even just daydreaming. Despite the dangers, distracted driving continue to be a problem.
One of the problems with distracted driving is that it can be difficult to identify. Unlike drunk driving, there’s no Breathalyzer test to determine whether or not someone was distracted at the time of a car crash. This means that it can be tough to hold someone responsible. In fact, a recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that nearly 88% of drivers admit to engaging in some type of distracted behavior while driving in the past month.
So what can be done to combat this problem?
One solution is to impose tougher penalties for those who are caught driving distracted. In some states, distracted driving is treated the same as drunk driving. Penalties can include fines, jail time, and even loss of your driver’s license.
Another solution is to increase public awareness of the dangers of distracted driving. Drivers need to be aware of the risks they are taking every time they get behind the wheel. we need to change our attitudes towards distracted driving. We need to increase awareness of the dangers of distracted driving. Education is also important for law enforcement officials. They need to be able to identify distracted drivers and enforce the laws that are in place to protect us all from their dangerous behavior.
A third solution is better technology. Cars are becoming increasingly more connected and autonomous, and this technology can help reduce distracted driving. For example, cars can be equipped with sensors that detect when the driver is distracted and take corrective action, like slowing down or stopping the car.
Drivers need to be aware of the dangers of distracted driving and know the laws in their state.
There needs to be stricter penalties for those who violate distracted driving laws. Currently, most states only have a minor penalty for a first offense, such as a fine. But some states are starting to implement harsher penalties, like driver’s license suspension or even jail time.
Finally, we need to change our attitudes about distracted driving. It’s not just a nuisance, it’s a serious safety issue. We need to start treating it that way.
Despite the best efforts of lawmakers, educators, and drivers themselves, distracted driving is still a problem. But with continued education and stricter penalties, we can hopefully start to make a dent in this deadly problem.
Distracted driving can’t be that serious..can it?
Casey Feldman was just 21 years old when she was killed by a distracted driver. Feldman was crossing the street when she was hit by a car that had been driven by a man who was distracted by reaching for his GPS while holding an iced tea. Witnesses said the van didn’t slow at all until Casey was under the front wheels. The driver pleaded guilty to careless driving and was fined $200, plus $33 in court costs. While no amount of money can bring Feldman back, her family was able to use the case to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.
What do I do if I have been hit by a distracted driver?
If you’ve been injured in a car wreck that was caused by distracted driving, you need to speak to our team of highly trained attorneys right away. At Petro Accident and Injury Attorneys, we have over 30 years of experience helping victims of distracted driving accidents get the compensation they deserve. We know how to fight for your rights and make sure the responsible party is held accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation!
