Distracted driving is a major cause of car accidents

Each year, far too many individuals are injured and killed in motor vehicle crashes all across the United States. Though these accidents can be caused by drunk drivers and those who operate their vehicle inappropriately, distracted driving, where the driver is focused on something other than the road, is another common cause of car accidents that deserves attention.

Motorists who take their eyes and/or minds off the road, or take their hands off the wheel, have proven to be dangerous to Pittsburgh drivers and pedestrians. Younger, less experienced motorists seem to be even more dangerous. Studies show that drivers under the age of 20 are at an increased risk to be involved in a distracted driving-related fatal accident.

One of the most common forms of distracted driving involves the use of a cell phone. A 2011 distracted driving study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that just under 70% of U.S. drivers, ages 18-64, admitted to talking on a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle within 30 days of the survey. Approximately 31% of the drivers surveyed admitted to text messaging or reading a text while driving within the 30 days preceding the survey.

While many states have enacted laws prohibiting various forms of distracted driving, there are still too many tragedies involving distracted drivers. Those who suffer injury at the hands of a negligent driver may be able to recover damages to help them overcome their tragedy. Therefore, those who have been harmed in a wreck should consider speaking with a legal professional to determine their options and potential for recovering medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Distracted Driving,” accessed on Feb. 15, 2015