The Dangers of Texting While Driving & Distracted Driving
Distracted Driving Statistics
Distracted driving is a serious problem in Pennsylvania and across the country. More than 9 people are killed and over 1,153 are injured each day in a car accident involving a distracted driver in the U.S. Keep in mind, these are just the cases that are reported and there are undoubtedly more.
In 2012, there were 3,328 people killed and 421,000 people injured in a car accident involving a distracted driver. These numbers are up from 2011, when almost 20% of all car accidents were attributed to distracted driving.
Sources of Distracted Driving
Activities such as using a cell phone, texting or eating would be a distraction. Fiddling with the car stereo or GPS also qualify as distractions. Texting is the most dangerous because it involves all three types of distraction: Visual (taking your eyes off the road), Manual (taking your hands off the wheel), and Cognitive (taking your mind off of your driving).
A Study on Distracted Driving
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzed distracted driving data from 2011. The study found that 69% of U.S. drivers ages 18-64 admitted to talking on their cell phone while driving within 30 days of being surveyed. 31% of drivers ages 18-64 said they had read or sent a text message or email while driving at least once during the same time.
Teen Drivers and Texting
Younger drivers are more inexperienced, so distractions are especially dangerous for them. It is no surprise that drivers under the age of 20 have the highest proportion of fatal car accidents attributed to distracted driving. Nearly half of all high school students 16 years or older text while driving.
Contact A PA Car Accident Attorney At The Travis Law Firm
If you or a loved one is the victim of a car accident whether or not distracted driving is involved, contact our PA car accident lawyers today. Serving Erie, Crawford, Warren, and McKean Counties, and all of Northwestern Pennsylvania, our trustworthy legal team will represent your best interests. Also, check out our motorcycle accidents, trucking accidents, and wrongful death pages. For additional information, contact the Travis Law Firm today.
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