What Is Distracted Driving?
For the past decade, distracted driving has taken U.S. roadways by storm, endangering not only distracted drivers, but also their passengers, those in other vehicles and pedestrians. Talking on or manipulating your phone, adjusting the radio, applying makeup, eating or drinking can all distract you from the essential task of safe driving. Far too many drivers succumb to the deadly—and often illegal—temptation that has emerged as one of the most common forms of distracted driving—texting.
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system—anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.
Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing.
Consequences
Using a cell phone while driving creates enormous potential for deaths and injuries on U.S. roads. In 2017 alone, 3,166 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.
Get Involved
We can all play a part in the fight to save lives by ending distracted driving.
Teens
Teens can be the best messengers with their peers, so we encourage them to speak up when they see a friend driving while distracted, to have their friends sign a pledge to never drive distracted, to become involved in their local Students Against Destructive Decisions chapter, and to share messages on social media that remind their friends, family, and neighbors not to make the deadly choice to drive distracted.
Parents
Parents first have to lead by example—by never driving distracted—as well as have a talk with their young driver about distraction and all of the responsibilities that come with driving. Have everyone in the family sign the pledge to commit to distraction-free driving. Remind your teen driver that in States with graduated driver licensing (GDL), a violation of distracted-driving laws could mean a delayed or suspended license.
Educators and Employers
Educators and employers can play a part, too. Spread the word at your school or workplace about the dangers of distracted driving. Ask your students to commit to distraction-free driving or set a company policy on distracted driving.
Make Your Voice Heard
If you feel strongly about distracted driving, be a voice in your community by supporting local laws, speaking out at community meetings, and highlighting the dangers of distracted driving on social media and in your local op-ed pages.
How Can We Help?
At Melman Law Group, we have experienced car accident attorneys dedicated to using our legal services to fight for victims of car accidents. We provide high-quality legal representation to every one of our clients. Every client is treated with personal attention and compassion. We help our clients receive proper compensation for their unfortunate circumstance. After all, insurance companies tend to seek to minimize compensation. What can seem like a fair settlement might fail to cover long-term medical costs, lost wages from missed work due to the accident, or delayed injuries or damages that weren’t accounted for in the original settlement amount. We’re experts at navigating the often confusing and uncertain legal and insurance process.
Call or text your experienced car accident lawyers 24/7 at 770.365.7556 or visit us on any of our social media pages.