“Each day in the United States, over 8 people are killed and 1,161 injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver.”[1] The term crashes can include car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, and commercial vehicle accidents, among others.
“Distracted Driving” is a buzz phrase heard often. But what exactly is distracted driving? It is doing any activity that takes your attention from your primary task of safe driving. Examples include, texting, checking email, eating, talking on the phone or to people in the car, and setting up the navigation system.
“Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.” Distracted Driving, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration May 8, 2017. In five seconds, traffic could stop abruptly and without warning, a traffic light can turn from green to red, a pedestrian can begin crossing the road, or another driver could lose control of his vehicle.
Distracted driving leads to near misses and collisions. It can cause soft tissue injuries, broken bones, serious spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and death to unsuspecting victims.
If you were in a collision caused by a distracted driver, the attorneys at Murphy & Landon may be able to help you. We represent victims of car accidents, motorcycle accidents, trucking accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents and more. Please check the Auto Accidents tab on our website or call 302-472-8100for more information.
[1] Distracted Driving, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, May 8, 2017, citing National Center for Statistics and Analysis, Distracted Driving: 2013 Data, in Traffic Safety Research Notes. DOT HS 812 132. April 2015, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Washington, D.C.
