The Problem With Distracted Driving

Despite hearing the stories and being warned of the risks, we have all engaged in some form of distracted driving at one point or another. This seems unsurprising in a world where people frequently post online everything from pictures of their dinners to all of their children’s milestones. At minimum, many people seem to have their phones permanently glued to their hands and that doesn’t stop just because a person hops in the driver’s seat of a car. For example, it was reported last year that driver cellphone interactions showed an increase of 57 percent. Manipulating a cellphone was a contributing factor in more than 800 crash deaths in 2017 alone.

What is the Problem With Distracted Driving?

Unfortunately, there are no reliable estimates of the number of crashes caused by distracted drivers, based largely on the fact that these kinds of statistics are measured through self-reporting. Therefore, the actual number of accidents caused by distracted driving are likely much higher than published data.

With that understood, the results of a report published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicate that the crash risk was between two and six times higher when drivers were manipulating a cell phone compared with when they were not distracted. In addition to the distractions posed by the usage of cell phones and other electronic gadgets, distractions can also include:

• Eating and drinking
• Applying makeup
• Adjusting the radio
• Reading
• Talking and interacting with vehicle passengers

However, the crash risk associated with these other activities is even less established. What is universally clear is that distractions of any kind do no favors for either the person who is driving or others on the road.

What is the Other Reason to Avoid Using a Cell Phone While Driving?

Under an update to Florida law that went into full effect at the beginning of this year, police officers are now able to pull over drivers if they’re caught texting behind the wheel. Previously, authorities could only issue citations as a secondary offense to people who were texting while driving, meaning that drivers could only be cited for the violation if police pulled the driver over for some other offense. Therefore, distracted driving should be avoided altogether as much as possible as in addition to being dangerous, it can also make you a target for authorities and the accompanying consequences.

Have You or a Loved One Been Injured as the Result of a Distracted Driver?

Sadly, you can be injured because of another driver’s negligence even when you are acting responsibly. This can lead to significant injuries and unexpected financial expenses for both you and your family. In this kind of stressful circumstance, you need the help of a legal team you can depend on. As the West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm, we can help you hold the accountable parties responsible and ensure that you obtain the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today so that we can begin.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Miami, Ocala, Bradenton, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Fort Myers, Jacksonville and Daytona Beach areas.

Resources:

iihs.org/news/detail/driver-cellphone-interactions-increase-57-percent

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.305.html

https://www.pendaslaw.com/is-a-grocery-store-liable-for-a-customers-injury/