Distracted driving has become an issue for many drivers in the U.S. While some struggle to keep their cell phones out of sight while they are driving, others attempt to multi-task when they should be keeping their eyes on the roadway. This type of behavior is not only dangerous to those who are engaging in it, but also to others that are traveling around them. Back in December, a truck driver crashed into the back of a vehicle that resulted in the death of a three-month-old baby [Source: Oklahoma’s News 4]. Independent recently reported on a crash that involved a mother who was killed by a distracted trucker as she was on her way to visit her sick newborn baby in the hospital.
The fact is, while we continue to hear about distracted driving accidents, many drivers behind the wheel of all types of vehicles have yet to begin implementing safety tactics that help contribute to making the roadway safer. So, in an effort to help you refrain from distracted driving, below are several distracted driving facts for you and even your family that will hopefully shed light on just how dangerous this type of behavior is.
- Distracted drivers are responsible for more than 58% of teen crashes.
- In 2015, 391,000 injuries were caused in distracted driving-related accidents.
- Nine people in the U.S. are killed each day as a result of crashes involving a distracted driver.
- Distracted driving has been called an American epidemic and is completely preventable.
- It takes only three seconds after a driver’s attention has been diverted from the road for a crash to occur.
- Distracted driving is commonly referred to as the “new drunk driving”.
- Over 80% of drivers admit to blatantly hazardous behavior while driving, such as changing clothes, steering with a foot, painting nails, or even shaving.
- When a teen driving has a passenger with them, the risk of them getting into a fatal car accident doubles. If two or more passengers are present, the odds are five times as likely.
- 80% of car crashes are attributed to a driver being distracted or not paying attention.
- When a driver is listening to a conversation or music, the brain power he or she dedicates to driving decreases by 40%.
- Studies show that having to go to the bathroom and holding it while driving can negatively affect your safety, as it’s highly distracting.
- Driving with kids in the car causes parents to take their eyes off the road for an average of three minutes and 22 seconds during a 16-minute car ride. That’s 21% of the total time behind the wheel.
- Those who eat or drink while driving are 80% more likely to get into an accident.
- Eating, reading, and applying makeup all increase the likelihood of a collision by two to three times.
- Approximately 660,000 drivers use their cell phones while driving during daylight hours, creating a large potential for crashes and fatalities.
[Source: Teen Safe].
The reality is, 3,287 deaths occur each day all due to fatal car crashes. And sadly, many of these accidents could have been prevented had the driver who initiated the accident avoided engaging in the negligent behavior that caused it. Too many lives are impacted by distracted drivers and too many lives are taken. And if you or someone you know is the unfortunate victim of one of these accidents, don’t hesitate to contact the personal injury lawyers at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. We are conveniently located in Chicago, IL and will be glad to discuss with you what your legal rights are, the compensation you are entitled to receive, and what we can do so that you are awarded the maximum amount your injuries entitle you to.
You can reach Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. at:
221 North La Salle Drive, Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 60601
1-312-384-1920
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