Distracted Driving Remains a Serious Problem
April 25, 2018Many states across the country have established much stricter laws against distracted driving, including prohibiting the use of any hand-held device to talk, text, or partake of any other behavior that takes the driver’s attention away from the road. Unfortunately, it appears that the tougher laws are not enough, as too many motorists continue to engage in this dangerous behavior. In fact, according to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 800,000 drivers continue to be distracted, either by talking or texting on the phone, at any given time.
While drivers of all ages talk on the phone, or text while driving, approximately 16 percent of all distracted driving accidents are caused by teen drivers. This is particularly concerning, because they do not have the experience behind the wheel to be able to react to other motorists, or avoid certain traffic situations. As a result, they are much more likely to cause, or be involved in, serious distracted driving-related accidents. Teen drivers also tend to think that they are invincible, and that nothing bad could happen just from sending one quick text or making one quick phone call. However, the average text takes the driver’s attention off the road for approximately four seconds, which is the equivalent of driving the length of a football field if the car is travelling at 55 miles per hour.
Distracted Driving Statistics
The following facts give an idea of how serious distracted driving has become in the United States:
- According to the NHTSA, in 2015, 3,477 people were killed, and another 391,000 injured in car accidents involving distracted drivers.
- Each day, at least eight people are fatally injured and 1,161 injured in distracted driving-related incidents in this country.
- Since 2010, approximately 660,000 drivers have been seen using their cell phone, or some type of electronic device, while driving.
- According to the National Occupant Protection Use Survey, in 2015, drivers 16 to 24 years old used their handheld cell phones more frequently than any other age group.
- Sixty percent of college students say that they are addicted to their cell phone, and that they get upset if it is out of sight.
A National Safety Council official commented that distracted driving is a public health issue that effects everyone. According to the most recent statistics, the number of fatal car accidents have gone up by six percent since 2015. Over 40,000 people lost their lives in car accidents last year, and while distracted driving was not a factor in all of those fatalities, it is a major problem. Too many motorists, particularly young, inexperienced teen drivers, do not understand that one moment of distraction can change your life, or the life of another driver, forever.
Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Justice for Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident involving a distracted driver, you are urged to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will hold the negligent parties responsible for their actions and fight to ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation for your injuries. We will continue to advocate for you until justice has been served. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.