Do you ever feel like you see an endless string of distracted drivers? Every time you have to wait at a stoplight and honk your horn when it turns green, you know that driver ahead of you was on the phone. It never seems to end.
Part of the problem is that people really just do not realize how dangerous distraction can be. That’s why they keep getting distracted and causing deadly accidents. To help raise awareness, here are a few key facts you need to be aware of:
- It takes lives. A total of 3,166 people died in 2017 in accidents that people could prove were linked to distracted driving. The real total is probably far higher, as you can’t always prove it.
- The average length of texting distraction is five seconds. That’s enough to cover 100 yards at 55 mph. You could cross a football field without looking.
- It’s not just texting. Other “nondriving activities” also lead to distraction and accidents. Examples include typing on the GPS and talking to passengers.
- Parents have a massive impact on their kids. While teens get blamed for a lot of distracted driving — and they are involved — it is up to parents to set a good example, and show them how to drive safely. After all, people at any age cause distractions, accidents, injuries and deaths every year.
That driver who takes his or her eyes off of the road isn’t just a nuisance. They could cause a deadly crash in a heartbeat. If you get injured or lose a loved one, make sure you know how to seek compensation.
