Distracted Driving, a Hazard to Everyone
Everyone has heard of the explosion of distracted driving accidents from use of cell phones, texting while driving, and other distractions. In 2012 over three thousand people were killed in the US, up 10%. In 2011 there were over 17 billion texts sent/ received. In the time it takes to read two sentences when driving 40 mph you cover over 100 yards, enough time to cause a serious wreck.
We say ‘it’s not going to happen to me’ because I have children, and am safety conscious. How many safety conscious women put on makeup or eat a sandwich while driving? The statistics do no lie. You can’t concentrate on driving when 70% of drivers admit to talking on the cell phone regularly, and texting. You can’t do two things well at the same time. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety after reviewing 33 studies there was reported a significant delay in driver’s reaction time from distractions including cell phone use. This delay effects following distance, speed, and overall safety.
As a personal injury lawyer I am concerned about the safety of children, and older people who are innocent victims of these wrecks. Recently I represented two bicyclists who were both hit by a driver on his cell phone, and they were riding ten feet apart. One of the bicyclist suffered a significant brain injury .Can we take a day or a week and pledge to put down the cell phone and stop distracted driving?