Distracted driving refers to a driver engaging in any activity that: takes their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, or their mind off of the primary task of driving. While people have been fumbling with maps, drinking coffee, changing the radio station, and dealing with screaming infants in the back seat for years, distracted driving has never been as dangerous as it is today.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Distracted driving is dangerous, claiming 3,477 lives in 2015 alone. Simply put, distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from driving. It can be eating, talking to passengers, changing clothes, applying makeup, reading, or going through the purse on the passenger seat. The possibilities are endless.
Of all forms of driver distraction, texting while driving is by far the most dangerous type of distraction. According to the NHTSA, “Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds.” If you text while driving 55 mph, that 5 seconds is equivalent to driving across an entire football field with your eyes shut.
What Can You Do to Help?
If you’re a teenager, don’t text and drive and encourage your friends to follow your lead. If you see a friend texting and driving, speak up. You can also turn to social media to share educational videos and messages about the deadly consequences of texting while driving.
If you’re a parent – you can start be leading by example. Never drive distracted and talk to your children about distracted driving, namely using electronic devices while driving. Get your whole family on board and get them all to pledge not to text while driving.
If you’re an educator or a small business owner, you can play a part as well. Spread the word to your students and employees about the dangers of texting while driving. Get your students to participate in group discussions about distracted driving and if you’re an employer, establish a company policy against texting while driving.
Injured By a Distracted Driver?
These days, it’s common to see people driving slowly, weaving in and out of lanes, or nearly running a red light or blowing through a stop sign due to texting while driving. Even though it’s illegal in most parts of the country, teenagers and adults continue to do it despite the risks.
If you were injured in a distracted driving crash, contact DeLorenzo, Grasso & Dalmata to file a claim for compensation. With nearly 75 years of collective experience, we are well-qualified to represent you and your best interests in your personal injury claim.