Distracted driving may seem like it describes when someone is texting or talking on a phone while behind the wheel, but it’s actually a term that is much more generalized. Distracted driving is any activity that takes someone’s mind off the road and the act of driving. Any kind of distracted driving can be dangerous to the driver, one’s passengers, and others on the road.
How many people are killed because of distracted drivers?
In 2014, 3,179 people were killed in crashes with distracted drivers. It may be no surprise that another survey found that 169.3 billion text messages were sent in the USA in 2014 every month, many being sent while people were driving.
Which age group is most likely to be involved in a fatal accident?
Teen drivers are one of the groups most likely to be distracted, with 10 percent of teens between 15 and 19 reported as distracted at the time of fatal crashes.
What kinds of things cause distractions?
The acts that lead to distractions range from texting to using a smartphone. Talking to passengers can be distracting, as can doing your makeup behind the wheel. Using a navigation system when driving or adjusting a radio may take a person’s eyes off the road long enough to result in an accident. Some people even try to watch videos while they drive.
Our website has more information about fatal motor vehicle accidents and what you should do to make sure you’re compensated fairly. The loss of a loved one is difficult enough without having to suffer financially.