Workers in Atlanta who commute to work often have stories of the gridlock they face on a daily basis. Especially if they have a long commute, it can be tempting to try to get some work done while behind the wheel. However, taking a work phone call or sending an email or text message while driving can easily distract a motorist, resulting in a distracted driving accident.
The statistics
The statistics surrounding distracted driving accidents are startling. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2018 14% of all motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. involved a distracted driver. In that same year, 2841 individuals lost their lives in an auto accident involving a distracted driver. In fact, at any given time in 2018, approximately 2.1% of motorists were visibly using a handheld device while behind the wheel. Cell phone use is a common distraction.
Why is texting and driving so dangerous?
Texting and driving is especially dangerous because it encompasses all three major forms of distraction. First, if a motorist is reading a text message or is typing one, their eyes are on their phone not the road — a visual distraction. Second, if a motorist is typing a text message, their hands are on their phone not the steering wheel — a manual distraction. Third, if a person is reading a text message or thinking of how to respond, their attention is on the text message not the task of driving — a cognitive distraction. Given this, it is easy to see how texting and driving can lead to a serious motor vehicle accident.
Learn more about distracted driving accidents
Those who are injured in an accident caused by a distracted can suffer serious damages, including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. For this reason, many people injured in a distracted driving accident choose to pursue a legal claim. This post is for informational purposes only and does not contain legal advice. Those in Atlanta who want to learn more about distracted driving accidents are encouraged to visit our firm’s website to learn more about their rights and options.
