Distracted Driving Fatalities on the Rise in America

 Posted on February 28, 2017 in Personal Injury

America has quickly become a well-connected nation. Virtually everyone talks to friends in other cities, states, and even other countries. Email, games, videos, and applications can be accessed almost anywhere. They do it at home, while waiting at the doctor’s office, and at coffee shops and diners. Many people are also doing it while behind the wheel. This poor driving habit – the new form of distracted driving – is on the rise, experts say. As a result, fatalities are increasing as well. If you or someone you love has been injured by a distracted driver, it is important to understand the seriousness of the situation.

Just How Big is the Problem?

For more than four decades, traffic fatalities were on the decline. Then, in 2015, traffic deaths rose by 7.5 percent. It was the biggest spike in more than 50 years. Data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that distracted driving was responsible for an alarming percentage of those crashes. Accidents related to distracted driving also increased by a concerning 8.8 percent.

The Distracted Driver Disconnect

Too often, distracted drivers believe they are safe. They fail to see the fault in their own driving habits, yet judge others. Some truly think that they are accessing their phones safely—they only check them at stoplights or in parking lots or only use certain applications, or they only check their text messages and do not respond. Yet experts agree that taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can have serious consequences. The longer the distraction, the higher the risk. This applies even when a driver is stopped at a stoplight, too. In other words, drivers should not have their phones engaged at any time for any reason while they are behind the wheel or in traffic.

When a Distracted Driver’s Actions Lead to Death or Injury

Drivers who are distracted behind the wheel are negligently putting other road users at risk, and by doing so, they assume responsibility. Unfortunately, law enforcement does not always conduct a full investigation to determine if a driver was distracted at the time of an accident. This can leave you or the person you love exposed and at risk for a reduced or denied claim after a crash. As such, it is critical that you seek experienced legal assistance with your auto accident claim.

Contact Our Distracted Driver Injury Lawyers

To get the help you need following an accident caused by a distracted driver, contact an experienced DuPage County personal injury lawyer. Call 630-920-8855 to schedule a free, personalized consultation at Martoccio & Martoccio today. Our team is prepared to help you protect your rights as we pursue full compensation for your injuries.

Sources:

http://www.nbc12.com/story/33736806/study-shows-dramatic-increase-in-highway-fatalities-distracted-driving

https://www.everquote.com/everdrive/confused-state-of-distracted-driving/