Distracted driving contributes to more than half a million road accidents in the US. In 2013 alone, 424,000 people were injured because drivers were busy texting or speaking on their cell phones. In fact, the US fares very badly compared to developing countries around the world. Nearly 69% of drivers in the US admitted to texting/speaking while driving, as opposed to 29% in the UK and 59% in Portugal. Here are three things you should know about distracted driving.
Texting is risky
You may not know it, but your mind makes use of at least three senses or skills while texting: visual, motor and cognitive. That is why texting and driving is twenty-three times more likely to cause an accident as compared to other activities like talking, adjusting something on the car, etc. Of course, there are plenty of smart alternatives to texting while driving. For example, you could use voice recognition software that translates words into language, or use an autoresponder. Voice recognition software is not fool-proof and checking for accuracy could also lead you to an accident.
Texting while driving ban in Florida
Florida finally banned texting and emailing while driving in 2013. This is, however, a secondary offense, i.e. the driver must have been pulled for another offense like speeding, running a stop sign, etc. While there are many questions about the practical problems in enforcing the law, an American Journal of Public Health study indicates that crash-related accidents have dropped almost by 7% in states that have implemented the ban.
Awareness can help reduce the problem
It is important to speak to drivers and make them aware of the consequences of distracted driving. Teens in particular and their parents should be targeted. While parents have to lead by example, teens should be engaged through social media to create awareness about the problem.
If you or your loved one is an innocent victim of a distracted driving accident, call our personal injury lawyer in Florida for help.