Many people in Louisiana immediately think of texting while driving when they think about distracted driving, but it can be anything that takes someone’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel or mind off of driving. Thinks like eating, putting on makeup or changing the radio station while behind the wheel can all be considered distracted driving. However, the reason that so many people associate texting with distracted driving is because texting includes all three types of distractions.
Distracted driving is becoming a major issue due to the fact that engaging in these types of behaviors increases a driver’s risk of being in an accident and possibly injuring others. According to findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day nine people are killed and approximately 1,100 are injured in crashes that involve a distracted driver.
Younger drivers in particular are prone to texting while driving, and studies show that drivers under the age of 20 have the highest proportion of fatal crashes related to distracted driving. In an effort to reduce deaths and injuries related to people being distracted behind the wheel, many states have begun instituting laws that limit when and how people can use mobile devices in their vehicles, but more information is needed to determine their efficacy.
Those who are involved in a car crash may face a range of expenses related to the incident, including medical bills and vehicle repairs. If the accident was caused by the negligence of a distracted driver, a personal injury attorney may be able to assist in filing a civil action in order to recover appropriate compensation for the damages sustained.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Distracted Driving”, accessed on Jan. 23, 2015
