Distracted driving can be a major concern when people get behind the wheel on Georgia roadways. Especially after the rise of the smartphone, there is an array of distractions in every car that can keep a driver’s eyes – and mind – off the road. The consequences of distracted driving can be serious and even deadly. In 2015, 3,477 people lost their lives due to distracted driving.
While texting is the first thing that comes to mind when people think about distracted driving, the term can cover a number of issues, including talking on a handheld mobile phone, eating, talking to others, fixing makeup or dealing with the car’s entertainment system. Texting can be particularly dangerous due to the amount of time and attention it takes, pulling the driver’s eyes away from the roadway even at high speeds.
While the number of deaths due to car accidents caused by distracted driving is shocking, the impact is not limited to fatalities. In 2015, 391,000 people were injured in crashes due to distracted drivers. These traumas can include catastrophic, life-changing injuries and long-term disabilities. Nevertheless, it is estimated that around 660,000 drivers at any given time are using their phones while driving during daylight hours, presenting a severe threat of dangerous crashes, injuries and deaths.
Most states across the country have laws against distracted driving, including texting while driving and, in many places, talking on a handheld mobile phone. Greater education on the issue for teens as well as new drivers can be even more significant in helping cut the risk of distracted driving crashes.
People who have been injured in car accidents caused by another driver’s distracted or otherwise negligent behavior may deal with ongoing pain, the inability to work and other damages. A personal injury lawyer can help accident victims seek compensation for their damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.