Automobile Accidents and Personal Injury
One of the top causes of death in America is car accidents. In fact, it is estimated that 30,000 people in America are killed in an auto accident every year. Additionally, two million people are seriously injured. In many cases, these injuries result in permanent disability. Distracted driving is one of the main factors that contributes to automobile accidents. Modernly this often involves text messaging while driving.
People often have to make quick decisions while they are driving so it is important for drivers to be focused and not attempting to divide their time between other matters.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has stated that 80 percent of car crashes involved a driver who was distracted. Below is a list of some of the distracting behaviors that people often engage in that can distract them:
- Using a cell phone while driving
- Putting on makeup while driving
- Reading a book while driving
- Reaching for something while one is driving
In many places, it is illegal to use a phone while driving without the use of hands free technology. However, many people do use a phone while driving whether to have a voice conversation or to send or respond to text messages. Texting while driving is a major cause of accidents. Many people who would never drive under the influence of alcohol still send text messages while driving.
Studies show that it is not just teenagers who text while driving, but that many adults do so as well. Although hands free devices help they can still be a distraction, for example when entering a telephone number on a dashboard screen while driving. It is best to avoid using a cell phone completely while driving a car. If you require assistance with an accident-related personal injury, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.
