Here’s some very disturbing news. According to AAA, distracted driving crashes are now a national epidemic.
While distracted driving can be anything that prevents a driver from paying attention to the road, like putting on lipstick, smoking, changing the radio, eating, or drinking, the main cause of distracted driving is talking on your cell phone or texting. The AAA reports that every day, an average of 9 people are killed and 1,000 are injured because of drivers using their cell phones.
How Bad Is the Texting and Driving Epidemic?
After speeding and drunk driving, distracted driving is the third leading cause of deaths in car crashes in America.
Here are some frightening facts about distracted driving from the DMV:
- According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, when you send a text, you take your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds. That’s the time it takes to drive the length of a football field going 55 MPH!
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that at any moment during the daylight hours, about 481,000 drivers are handling cell phones or other electronic devices while driving in the U.S.
Are Phones the Only Distracted Driving Danger?
While cell phones may be the most common cause of distracted driving, it turns out that cell phone use is not the biggest offender. Cell phone use counts for only 12% of the distracted driving crashes.
So what is the biggest offender?
Being “lost in thought.”
A whopping 62% of all car accident fatalities are caused simply because the driver’s mind wandered away from driving long enough to lead to a collision—and someone’s death.
Don’t Take Chances When You Drive
It may be the “same old commute,” or you may be feeling tired, stressed, and frustrated, but it is important for all drivers to bear in mind that driving is dangerous. It is important to always stay aware and alert when you drive.
And don’t text and drive.
Call us ToDay
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a car accident, call us. We are experienced personal injury attorneys and we offer FREE consultations. We have offices in Baton Rouge, and we serve Baker, Denham, Gonzales, Port Allen, Prairieville, New Orleans, and Zachary. Call (225) 465-1232 ToDay to schedule your free consultation or contact us here.