Distracted driving: A major problem throughout the United States

You were traveling down the road when you looked up to see another driver crossing your path. The driver crossed the center line and was heading straight for you. You honked and tried to swerve, but there was no way to avoid the accident.

You’re not the only person who has ever faced this dilemma. With distractions becoming more and more prevalent behind the wheel, it’s not surprising that more drivers are getting into crashes due to cellphone or technology use.

According to the Federal Communications Commission, around eight people are killed every day due to distraction-related crashes. Another 1,161 people are injured every day as a result of these crashes.

If that seems surprising, this fact may shock you. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that 391,000 people were injured in crashes due to distracted driving in 2015 with 3,477 people killed that year alone. Distracted driving has become a major problem in the United States, and these are just a few statistics showing why.

What can you do to avoid a distracted driving accident?

First, lead by example. If you have children in your vehicle, friends you’re traveling with or family members in the car, make sure you don’t get on your phone. Don’t eat behind the wheel, text or do other distracting things. Showing that you are acting in a safe manner rubs off on others.

Another thing you can do is to talk to your kids or family about distracted driving. Before anyone in your family gets a license, make sure to talk about the real dangers of driving while distracted. Be straightforward. No one should use a phone behind the wheel, even if it’s only for a few seconds. That few seconds is all it takes to cause an accident that can result in injuries or deaths.

If you are impacted by a driver who isn’t paying attention to the road, there are ways you can seek compensation for your injuries. Distracted driving is dangerous, and those who participate in reckless behavior should be held accountable. Your attorney can help you file a claim with the correct party.