Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of fatal car crashes in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 3,000 people suffered fatal injuries in motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted drivers in 2017. Distracted driving is the most preventable cause of serious and fatal car crashes.
April has been designated as Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the National Safety Council is offering resources and materials to help reduce the number of deaths each year related to this dangerous behavior. Visitors to the NSC website can find fact sheets and statistics, as well as educational and promotional resources to help spread the word on the causes and dangers of distracted driving.
Causes of Distracted Driving
Despite public service announcements, education, and safety campaigns, accidents caused by distracted drivers keep increasing. The main causes of distracted driving include:
Cell Phone Usage: Drivers that engage in talking on the phone or texting while actively driving kill more than 3,000 people each year. A standard text message takes approximately 4.6 seconds to read or send, which is equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded. A driver that reaches for their phone, dials, or texts while driving is three times more likely to get in a serious or fatal car crash.
Onboard Infotainment Systems: While onboard navigation and information systems are great tools to aid drivers, using these instruments while driving can cause an accident. In recent years, auto designers and manufacturers have implemented systems that automatically lock while a car is moving, which causes a driver to pull over to make changes to the program. Even with safety innovations, distracted driving accidents continue to happen while drivers are using these onboard infotainment systems.
Eating and Drinking: Many of us have proceeded to drive while eating. Unfortunately, few of us realize the dangers associated with this behavior. Unwrapping food, manipulating packaging, dropping or spilling food items, and even choking on a piece of food have led to serious and fatal car accidents. If drivers need to eat or drink, taking five to 10 minutes to eat a quick meal on the side of the road can prevent a car accident.
Passenger Distraction: Passenger distractions include conversations, tending to the needs of children, or engaging or settling arguments with passengers in the car. Children should always be seated and secured in child safety seats or seat belts and taught how to behave properly in a car. Food and drinks should not be given to children while traveling. Spilled food items or choking can lead to a serious car accident. Passenger conversations should be quiet and non-confrontational to allow the driver to keep their focus on the road in front of them.
New Brunswick Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Help Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents Claim Compensation
If you have been a victim of a distracted driving car accident, the New Brunswick car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr can help. Call us at 732-537-8570 or contact us online to set up a free consultation today. We will fight for your rights and hold the negligent party responsible for your injuries. Our Highland Park, New Jersey offices serve clients throughout New Brunswick, Somerset, Piscataway, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, and Colonia.
