Distracted driving is risky. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a distracted driver causes 10 percent of fatal car accidents. Distracted driving causes Eighteen percent of car crash injuries. Many people believe that they can multitask while they drive. However, being distracted for just two seconds can double your risk of getting into a car accident.
Cell phones are one of the main things that distract people while they are driving. A study done by the University of Utah showed that driving while using a cell phone is just as dangerous as driving while drunk. You are four times more likely to be involved in an accident if you are using a cell phone while driving.
Texting while driving is even more dangerous. You are eight times more likely to be involved in an accident if you are texting while you are driving. It takes an average of five seconds to send or receive a text message. A person can drive 300 feet in that same amount of time.
Commercial drivers who text while they drive are 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident. Young drivers are even more likely to be involved in a car accident if they are texting and driving. Inexperience is one of the reasons that young drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident if they text while they drive.
Most drivers realize that distracted driving is dangerous, but they still make excuses for it. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 90 percent of people believe that it is unacceptable to use a cell phone while driving. However, 35 percent of people admitted to using a cell phone while driving.
If you have been hurt by a distracted driver, then you need a personal injury attorney in West Palm Beach. Your personal injury attorney will help you get compensated for your pain, suffering and injuries.