Distracted driving is lethal. In fact, in 2016 alone a recorded 37,561 traffic fatalities happened on the road. And most causes were pointed out to engaging in distracted activities while sitting behind the wheel such as:
- Texting
- Reading email
- Watching a video
- Selecting music
- Watching a news feed
- Checking social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
- Using Facetime
And while statistics speak for itself, more and more people continue to ignore the dangers of being distracted while driving.
So in today’s entry, we are going to tackle the effects of distracted driving and the need for a car accident attorney in times of crashes.
Know The Facts
Once you are driving distracted, you are increasing the risk of getting killed or injured. Sure, it will only take a couple of seconds to text a friend, check your email, or post “your story” on FB. But those precious seconds you take your eyes away from the road can take away lives. Once your attention is diverted to other stuff and your hands are off the wheel, you are putting yourself, the passengers, and the even other motorists at risk.
In a research conducted by CDC they found out that at least 9 people are killed and over 1,060 are injured in car crashes in the United States each and every day! No wonder why distracted driving is now classified as a serious threat in terms of public health.
Since 2010, most car crashes always involved a distracted party (regardless if they were the cause or the victim of the accident). And although 69% of drivers in the country from 18-64 years old admittedly either sent a text or checked their emails while driving a car for the last 30 days, younger drivers are more susceptible to be involved in car crashes due to the use of mobile devices and other external factors.
And while texting is considered as the main distractor during driving, there are still other factors that make an individual distracted while driving. In other words, accidents can happen once the driver takes the hands off the wheel or eyes on the road.
Protect Yourself
The best way of way of dealing with road accidents is to be aware of the dangers involved especially when you are distracted while driving. More importantly:
- Always put the seatbelts on
- Take your phone or any other mobile device away from sight so you won’t be tempted to use it
- Use the in-car system (if you have it)
- Refrain from listening to musing using your earphones
- Use a navigation app that won’t require you to take your hands off the wheel
- Invest on a Bluetooth earpiece if you have to answer calls regularly
Moreover, you also have to remember these tips to protect yourself from distracted drivers:
- Be a defensive driver
- Watch for any swerving cars
- Watch for vehicles that keep on missing traffic cues
- Be mindful if the driver of the car beside you is facing downwards and not on the road
What To Do If You Got Involved In A Car Crash?
If the inevitable happens and you got involved in a car crash with injuries, it is recommended to hire a car accident attorney immediately. These professionals are adept in personal injury laws and are very proficient in upholding your rights as a driver and will be able to help facilitate the treatment and repairs of your vehicle and will make sure that you are properly compensated by the insurance company.
Furthermore, car accident lawyers are also capable of looking for evidence once the liability of the accident is contested.