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You may have heard of the term ‘distracted driving’ being used more and more often these days. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), car wrecks attributed to distracted driving took the lives of 3,450 people that year. The statistics for 2017 should be coming out soon, and there is a possibility that the numbers will be even higher. If you are wondering what constitutes a distraction while operating a motor vehicle, it’s pretty much anything that takes your mind off the task of safely operating your car. Eating or drinking, playing with the radio or the nav/GPS, talking or texting on a cellular phone, and even talking to people that are in the car with you can all be examples of distracted driving. The number one offender is texting. If you are driving at 55 miles per hour and you look down to text for five seconds, you will have traveled over 100 yards in that time. A lot can happen on the road in just the distance of a football field. 

Texting and Driving

It is estimated that during daylight hours, 481, 000 drivers are using cell phones while driving. In 2015, 391,000 people received injuries as a result of distracted drivers. This potential for damage and destruction is dangerous for teenagers since they have the highest amount of fatal accidents in this category. These staggering numbers are leading to new legislation being passed in states across the nation that punish cell phone usage while driving. Also, cell phone makers are trying to implement innovtions that help curb cell usage while driving. Even with the nuance and laws, this type of accident is still a problem. 

Auto Accident Lawyer in Abilene, TX

While this is a relatively new problem that seems to be growing, distractions have been around for ages. Ever since the first stop sign was erected, there have been people who run them either knowingly or unknowingly. A car accident can be a life-changing event if the wreck is a severe one. If you have been injured by someone’s careless actions, you may be in a position to seek restitution for your losses. Between medical bills and other expenses, a wreck can cause not just physical but financial problems, as well. If you need help, contact the Galbreath Law Firm for a free initial consultation. This risk-free discussion will help us to understand your situation better and allow us to see how we may be able to help you.