.2210111304550.jpg)
You have probably heard that distracted driving is a problem among teens. And it is true – the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that drivers under 25 are more likely to text and drive.
But the truth is, the distracted driving epidemic is much larger than it seems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nine people are killed every day, and, on average, more than 3,000 die every year in crashes that involve a distracted driver. Further, in 2019, 33 percent of Georgia drivers ages 25-34 were convicted of distracted driving in 2019, with 23 percent being involved in fatal distracted driving accidents.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is not just texting and driving. It is any activity that takes attention away from driving, including being on your phone, eating or drinking, talking to passengers, adjusting the stereo, entertainment or navigation system. There are three types of distractions:
- Manual Distractions: Any activities that require you to take your hands off the wheel. This can include using your hands to text, adjusting the radio or eating and drinking.
- Visual Distractions: Distractions that take a driver’s eyes off the road. This includes passengers moving around, objects falling from other vehicles, billboards on the side of the road and looking down at your phone.
- Cognitive Distractions: Those that take your attention away from the task of driving. They can be caused by anything that takes your mind off the road, including talking on the phone, texting, or even talking to passengers in the car.
Some distractions are more dangerous than others. If you noticed, talking or texting on the phone was a distraction in all three categories! If a driver is going 55 miles per hour, sending a text message is like covering the entire length of a football field while blindfolded.
How to Avoid Distracted Driving?
It can be tempting to answer a text, take a phone call, or even change the music while behind the wheel. However, it is essential to remember that distracted driving is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe accidents. Here are some tips on how to avoid distracted driving:
- Do Not Text and Drive - This includes both talking and texting. Pull over to a safe location if you need to make a call or send a text.
- No Eating or Drinking - 52.5 percent of individuals in a survey admitted to eating or drinking while driving, compared to 23.6 percent who texted on the road.
- Avoid Changing the Music - It can be challenging to control the urge to change the radio station or playlist while driving, but resisting is vital. Even if it takes a few extra minutes to get to your destination, it is better than being in an accident.
Injured in an Athens, Georgia Car Accident?
The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch, LLC can help individuals injured in car accidents by providing experienced and knowledgeable legal representation. We have a proven track record of success in obtaining fair and just compensation for our clients, and we will work tirelessly to get the best possible outcome in your case.
If you were involved in a car accident that resulted in injury due to the negligence of another party, you deserve to be compensated. Call us today at (706) 760-9220 or fill out our form online for a free initial consultation.