Distracted driving and car accidents

Distracted driving is a big problem in Tennessee. Smartphones and electronic gadgets make it tempting for some drivers to keep their eyes off the road. When distracted driving leads to car accidents, serious injuries and death can be the result. If this occurs, legal action may be beneficial.

Anything that pulls a driver’s attention away from the road and other drivers can increase the possibility of an accident. This trend has been on the rise in recent years. In 2012 alone, 3,328 people were killed as the result of distraction-related vehicle crashes. Distracting activities can include sending and receiving text messages, adjusting a car stereo, applying makeup or eating while driving.

According to data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 660,000 drivers in the U.S. are using handheld devices while driving at any time during the day. This means that the chances of being injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver are higher than ever before. Driving while distracted can be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated in some cases.

Distraction-related vehicle accidents can occur within seconds. It’s estimated that drivers who use electronic devices while driving take their eyes off the road for an average of five seconds at a time. A car traveling at normal highway speeds can cover 120 yards in that amount of time. Car accidents that are caused by distracted drivers may lead to legal action. An attorney may be able to review police crash reports, road conditions and witness statements to determine if distracted driving caused the accident in order to obtain compensation for an injured client.

Source: Distraction.gov, “What is Distracted Driving?”, December 14, 2014