In the technology age, distractions are everywhere. A smartphone, which can fit into the palm of our hands, has the ability to connect us with anyone, anywhere instantaneously. These smart devices also enable us to play games, take notes, snap pictures, and almost anything else we may want to do. When we’re driving a large, dangerous vehicle, these distractions can lead to deadly consequences.
But technology isn’t the only distraction that takes our attention away from the road while were driving. We can be distracted by billboards, conversations with one of our passengers, or just something interesting going on outside.
It is vital that we devote our full attention to the task of driving, but none of us are ignorant to the fact that accidents will happen, no matter what steps we take to prevent them. In these cases where you or someone you know has been injured by a distracted driver, it’s important to have the help of an experienced lawyer on your side.
The Dangers of Texting While Driving
While there are many ways to be distracted while driving, perhaps the most dangerous is that of texting. Sending and receiving a quick text message doesn’t seem like it could create enough of a distraction that an accident would result. However, researchers have studied texting while driving, and they have generated some startling statistics:
- Most texts take 5 seconds or longer to read. While this doesn’t seem like a very long time, if you are traveling at 60MPH and are distracted for 5 seconds, you’ll have travelled 440 feet. That’s 440 feet of distance where you were not paying attention. Just imagine how easy it would be to hit a pedestrian who is crossing the street at that time or someone who pulls their car in front of you during this interval.
- Texting and driving multiplies the risk of having an accident by 2. Think of it this way: you can decrease your risk of having an accident by half when you abstain from texting while driving.
- Drivers who text are nearly 6 times MORE likely to be involved in an accident than drunk drivers. Make no mistake: driving drunk is a terrible decision and could lead to serious accidents or death. We are by no means suggesting that it is a better idea to drive drunk than it is to text and drive. The point is that both practices are extremely dangerous and should be avoided while operating a vehicle.
Conclusion
Distracted driving can lead to devastating consequences from which drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and family members may never recover. You can’t control for every distraction that will come up during your drive, but you can take one major step to prevent distracted driving accidents: put your phone away while you’re in the car.
Whatever text message, social media notification, video, or call is waiting for you can wait a little bit longer. No notification is worth risking your life or someone else’s.
If you’ve been injured due to a distracted driving accident, contact a distracted driving lawyer today. These professionals will help you navigate the tricky world of distracted driving cases and get the maximum amount of money to which you are entitled.