Distracted drivers cause more accidents, injuries and fatalities
Statistics show that distracted drivers cause more accidents, injuries and fatalities than ever before. States like Florida that once held back on passing legislation to reduce the numbers of distracted drivers have stepped up to make roads safer.
On average more than 1,000 people are injured and nine people are killed because of distracted drivers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
What constitutes distracted driving:
- Talking on the phone
- Eating
- Texting
- Talking to other passengers
- Searching the internet
- Adjusting car settings
- Adjusting radio settings
Florida law specifically prohibits texting while driving. This means it’s illegal to manually type or send messages on a wireless communications device while operating a motor vehicle. This includes reading, writing, or sending text messages, emails, instant messages, or any other form of written communication.
- First Offense: A fine (non-moving violation)
- Second/Subsequent Offenses: Increased fine and points on your license
Follow our tips to prevent accidents and ensure driver and passenger safety:
- Put the Phone Away
- Plan Ahead
- Focus on Driving
- Lead by Example
Here are some disturbing facts about distracted driving from the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration:
- 6% of all drivers in fatal crashes were driving distracted.
- 37,461 people died in car crashes (in 2016), an average of 102 people a day. That’s a 13% increase from 2014.
- Drivers under the age of twenty are the largest group reported as distracted at the time of fatal crashes.
While the list of distractions affecting features more than just cellphone use, the truth is smartphone use remains at the leading cause of distracted driving. Take a look at these facts from SafeWise, an independent organization dedicated to studying safety issues:
- It’s estimated that some 481,000 drivers on their phones while driving every day.
- 42% of drivers admit to reading a text or email while driving.
- As of 2010, distracted driving was estimated to cause nearly $40 billion in damages per year.
- About 70% of drivers report using a cellphone while driving, despite knowing they have an increased risk of causing a crash.
- 1 in 4 car crashes are estimated to involve cellphone use.
- Texting while driving is equivalent to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
If you have been injured in an accident due to another driver’s distracted driving, please contact us. The Weston car accident attorneys at Winston Law Firm can help.
Call us at (954) 475-9666.
