Distracted driving laws may vary from one state to the next, but nothing changes the fact that this is a dangerous activity that can result in an accident that causes serious injury or even death. Distracted driving can be categorized by any activity that diverts the attention of a driver. This includes but is not necessarily limited to:
— Texting
— Talking on a cell phone
— Eating
— Drinking
— Grooming
— Talking to passengers
— Using a navigation or audio system
— Watching a video
— Reading
— Adjusting a radio or other in-car technology
Of these, driving while texting is one of the most worrying distraction since it requires cognitive, visual and manual attention.
According to the Official US Government Website for Distracted Driving, the number of people killed in distraction-related accidents decreased to 3,328 in 2012 from 3,360 in 2011. However, there was a 9 percent increase in the number of people injured in such accidents.
Even more alarming is the fact that 10 percent of drivers age 20 and younger involved in a fatal accident were reported to be distracted. Things do not get much better when you consider drivers in their 20’s, as this age group accounts for 27 percent of distracted driving fatalities.
While most people realizing that texting and driving is a big mistake, and often against the law depending on the state they are traveling, they decide to do so anyway. In the event that you are injured or a loved one is killed by a distracted driver, learning more about your legal options is the first step in seeking compensation.
