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Many drivers underestimate the dangers associated with distracted driving. From texting and talking on the phone to eating and drinking while behind the wheel, it's easy to take your eyes off the road for even a few seconds. But these few seconds can have lasting and devastating consequences. Let's look at some startling statistics regarding distracted driving, what happens when drivers become inattentive, and what can be done to prevent it.
The Statistics of Distracted Driving
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over nine people are killed every day in motor vehicle-related crashes caused by distracted driving. That's over 3,000 deaths a year (344 distracted driving deaths in Florida in 2021)! Nearly 400,000 people are injured every year due to distracted driving-related incidents. In addition, young drivers between the ages of 15-20 account for nearly a quarter of all distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes each year.
The Dangers of Driving While Distracted
The roads and highways of our nation are becoming increasingly lethal due to the growing prevalence of distracted driving. Distracted driving is an epidemic that claims thousands of lives every year, with no signs of slowing down in sight. Drivers who take their eyes off the road to read a text message are at risk of missing vital cues or taking incorrect actions that can lead to disastrous results.
It's not just texting while driving that constitutes a distraction—any activity, from eating to putting on make-up, can be deadly if taken behind the wheel. All drivers are responsible for maintaining safety on the road: any action that could compromise your ability as a driver should be avoided until you've reached your destination.
Related Reading: "Overlooked Driving Distractions"
Consequences of Distracted Driving
When motorists become inattentive while behind the wheel, they put themselves and others at risk. While some states impose fines or license suspension for those convicted of distracted driving, other consequences may include jail time or having to pay restitution if an accident occurs due to negligence or recklessness while behind the wheel. Florida Statute 316.305, otherwise known as the "Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law," states that distracted driving will be treated as a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation.
In addition to legal repercussions, there are also financial implications as insurance rates may go up after being found guilty of a moving violation, such as causing an accident due to being inattentive while driving. None of these consequences, however, outweigh the physical ramifications of being injured or killed in an accident due to distracted driving.
What Can Drivers Do?
As you can see from these statistics, distractions while behind the wheel can have serious consequences. It's important that drivers stay aware on their journeys by avoiding activities that distract them from focusing on the road ahead, such as talking on cell phones or doing anything that could take their eyes and attention off the road. Additionally, it's important that drivers stay alert to their surroundings so that they can react quickly if another driver begins displaying signs of inattention, such as veering into other lanes or not stopping at red lights or stop signs. These simple steps will help keep everyone safe on our roads and highways!
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle-related deaths and injuries in the United States each year—and with more motorists on our roads than ever before—it is important that we all take extra precautions when out on our daily commutes by avoiding any activity that might temporarily distract us from focusing our full attention on safely navigating through traffic conditions around us! By staying alert and remaining aware at all times behind the wheel, we can ensure that everyone arrives safely at their destination without any unfortunate incidents along the way!
Car Accident Attorneys in Clearwater, FL
At Idrizi Law Group, we understand the devastating consequences of distracted driving. If you or a loved one is injured in an accident involving a distracted driver, please contact us today for a free consultation. Our experienced car accident attorneys in Clearwater, Florida, can help you get the compensation and justice that you deserve.
Give us a call at (727) 202-5499 to schedule your free consultation today.