Drivers in Connecticut and across the nation hear and see the stories about distracted driving and the dangers that accompany it. That, however, does not stop a vast number of drivers from taking part in the practice. When there is a car accident, one of the first things that the victims and their families will want to consider that it was because of a distracted driver. Given the problems after a crash, including serious injury and death, it is essential to have a full investigation into the case to determine its cause.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has released a report saying that drivers who used their smartphones behind the wheel are between two and eight times more likely to be involved in a crash than those who do not use their devices behind the wheel. People who are simply talking on the phone are raising their risk by as much as four times. In the new study, AAA updated research it had done in the past going back to the days before widespread use of smartphones.
Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that there were 3,450 fatalities because of distracted driving in 2016. In Connecticut, there were 12 deaths and more than 3,200 injuries. Drivers who remove their attention from the road for any reason are considered distracted. This problem comes amid the knowledge among drivers as to how dangerous it is to be a distracted driver. More than two in three drivers know they should not take part in the practice, but do it anyway. One in three admit they talk on the phone behind the wheel. More than 3,500 drivers were studied to accrue the data.
Distracted driving is one of the biggest problems on the road today. Those who are not paying attention to the road can miss road signs, ignore traffic signals, miss sudden incidents, hit pedestrians and more. People who are in a crash with a distracted driver can have major injuries, extended hospital stays, surgeries, missed time at work and even fatalities. Having legal assistance is one of the most important factors in securing adequate compensation after a distracted driving accident. A lawyer experienced in investigating and pursuing a case due to car accidents is key.
Source: greenwichfreepress.com, “Text and Drive? Using Your Smart Phone Increases Crash Risk,” Jan. 18, 2018
