Driving while distracted can take many different forms. The most commonly known distraction for driving is that of texting or checking email while driving. There are many other sources of distraction that can lead to a a serious injury or fatal accident including interaction with passengers and even fiddling with the radio.
Various studies have shown that texting while driving or emailing while driving can be almost as dangerous as being under the influence of alcohol while behind the wheel. A distracted driver, one who takes his eyes off the road gives up a safety cushion which can make all the difference in the world. The longer the distraction the greater the danger.
Checking a text message or sending a message can give away up to five car lengths of safety cushion just by taking your eyes off the road at highway speeds.
This dilemma is one that has come upon us in the last 10 years with the availability of smart phones and the Internet in your pocket. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that in 2010 alone over 3000 people were killed and distracted driving car accidents. That number increased in 2011 and is expected to be higher in 2012.
Teenage drivers are especially susceptible to a distracted driving accident because they are hyper connected and the least experienced of the driving public. To battle distracted driving in the teen age group, several different campaigns have been waged to educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving.
The “it can wait” campaign is one that advocates waiting until you arrived to check your cell phone for email and messages. Another is the “pledge” which encourages young people to pledge not to text while driving moreover encourages teenagers to speak up when a driver is distracted and they are a passenger.
Overall, there is little doubt that distracted driving has led to thousands of deaths in the United States and many serious injuries from car accidents each year. Parents should lead by example and speak frequently to their young children about distracted driving. Everyone should be a vocal passenger if a driver is seemingly distracted.
About the author: Greg Baumgartner is a Texas personal injury attorney and the founder of the Baumgartner Law Firm in Houston,Texas.
