In 2009, the National Automotive Sampling and the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), reported that 5,474 people were killed and 448,000 were injured in accidents that involved distracted driving.
An increasing number of experts have begun to agree with Ray LaHood, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, that distracted driving is a deadly epidemic occurring on our nation's roads.
What Is Distracted Driving?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving comes in three forms: visual, manual and cognitive. There are many distractions that can cause accidents - eating, putting on makeup, using a GPS, changing the song on the radio and even thinking about your day. But texting is considered the most dangerous, because all three types of distraction are involved when sending and receiving text messages.
Tests have also demonstrated that those who use a cell phone while driving experience a comparable decrease in reaction times comparable to those who drive with a .08 blood alcohol level. Therefore, using a cell phone while driving is just as dangerous as drinking and driving.
More Distracted Driving Statistics
The NHTSA reports the following facts about distracted driving:
- 995 of distracted driving related fatalities in 2009 involved cell phones
- Drivers using hand-held devices were four times more likely to suffer a serious injury during a car accident than those who did not
- 16 percent of distracted driving fatalities involved drivers under 20 years old
- 13 percent of distracted driving fatalities involved drivers between the ages of 20 and 29
- When drivers in their 30s are involved in fatal crashes caused by distracted driving, the most likely reason is due to the use of their cell phones
An Attorney Can Help
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, contact an experienced personal injury attorney today. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can assess your case and help you get the compensation you deserve.
