The prevalence of distracted driving creates dangerous conditions on roads across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 3,100 people were killed due to distracted driving in 2019 and an estimated 424,000 people were injured as the result of distracted driving crashes.
The tragic consequences of distracted driving can reverberate through communities. When motorists fail to fulfill their legal obligation to drive safely, it can have a devastating and lasting impact on victims and their families.
In order to prevent distracted driving crashes, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the laws, why distracted driving is so dangerous and the steps you can take to prevent distracted driving.
The tragic consequences of distracted driving can reverberate through communities. When motorists fail to fulfill their legal obligation to drive safely, it can have a devastating and lasting impact on victims and their families.
In order to prevent distracted driving crashes, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the laws, why distracted driving is so dangerous and the steps you can take to prevent distracted driving.
Understanding the Dangers of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving laws in Connecticut are strict. All drivers are prohibited from using handheld cell phones while they’re behind the wheel and there is also a text messaging ban for all drivers. Texting while driving is especially dangerous as it combines the three types of distracted driving — visual, manual and cognitive.
What makes texting while driving so dangerous? According to the NHTSA, sending or reading a text can take your eyes off the road for as long as five seconds. While that may not seem like a long time, a car traveling 55 mph will cover the length of a football field in that span.
It’s not just texting or talking on the phone while driving that can be dangerous. Adjusting your mirrors, eating or drinking, changing the radio station or talking with other passengers can all take your attention away from the road.
How to Prevent Distracted Driving
While you cannot control what other drivers are doing behind the wheel, you can help make the road a safer place by eliminating distractions. The National Safety Council’s Just Drive Pledge asks motorists to commit to avoiding certain behaviors while driving, including:
- Making phone calls of any kind, even hands-free
- Checking emails
- Taking photos or videos
- Inputting GPS destinations
In addition to avoiding certain behaviors, you can also be proactive to prevent distracted driving. AAA recommends taking care of even minimal distractions, such as adjusting mirrors or eating food, before you set out on the road. It’s also important to store any loose items before you drive so you don’t instinctively reach for anything rolling around.
If anything demands your attention while you’re driving, don’t risk it — pull off the road and find a safe place to take care of it.
Distracted Driving Accident Victims Deserve Justice
D’Amico & Pettinicchi stands up for the victims of distracted driving accidents. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you deserve to have someone working with you to reclaim your life.
The attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi will launch an immediate investigation to gather evidence, such as the police accident report, cell phone records and witness testimony, to build a strong case. We also will deal with the other driver’s insurance on your behalf so you can focus on what’s most important — recovery.Schedule a free consultation today and we’ll review your case and talk through the legal options available to you.