For many adults in Louisiana, it’s tempting to think of distracted driving as something that only teenagers do. Everyone knows that texting and driving is bad, but some people think there’s nothing wrong with glancing at their phone once in a while and checking the occasional notification. In fact, any kind of distracted driving is nearly as bad as scrolling through your phone while you’re behind the wheel.
What are the risks of distracted driving?
Distracted driving has been the cause of an increasing number of motor vehicle accidents. Every year, an average of 3,000 people die in accidents caused by distracted driving. This typically involves drivers and passengers, but bicyclists and pedestrians have been killed as well. According to the CDC, simply sending a text while driving is like driving several hundred feet with your eyes closed.
While teenagers are more likely to engage in distracted driving, the problem still persists among adults. Hundreds of people age 20 and over have been killed on the road because they engaged in distracted driving. In 2019, a study revealed that nearly 10% of drivers are using their phone at any particular moment.
However, the issue isn’t just limited to phones. Drivers frequently engage in other activities like eating and drinking, talking to their passengers, dealing with their kids and more. Most people don’t even register these activities as distracted driving. But if it’s taking your attention off the road, it can have serious consequences.
What can you do if you’re the victim of a car accident?
Your life could change in an instant because another driver decided to engage in distracted driving. You can’t undo the damage, but you may want to hire a personal injury attorney to help you collect compensation for your injuries.