(Source: https://www.nhtsa.gov/distracted-driving/april-distracted-driving-awareness-month).
Simply stated: Distracted driving is deadly, and it has become an epidemic on the roads throughout the country. While the main dangerous distraction of texting may be at the very top of the list, there are a number of other risky distractions taking place while driving, including just talking with other people in your car or being on your phone, applying makeup, drinking a beverage, changing the radio dial and much more. If you drive while you are distracted, you may prevent yourself from being able to avoid a deadly crash or a near accident. Seconds count in such situations, and being distracted robs of your ability to respond.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, 3,142 people were killed due to distracted driving. This was a 10% increase from 2018. According to NHSTA, young people between the ages of 16 to 24 are the most prone to drive while using a handheld electronic device while driving at high rates of speed. It’s not just young drivers, however, older age groups, according to the NHTSA, do not lag far behind.
NHTSA has the following suggestions to help people drive responsibly:
—If you really need to send a text then pull over and park your car in a safe area. Do not send a text until you have done so.
—Designate a passenger as a “designated texter” and let them use your phone to answer calls or send and read messages.
—Do not scroll through apps of any kind while driving.
—Remind friends and family that when you are driving, driving is the only thing you should be doing.
The lawyers at Liever, Hyman & Potter, P.C., are concerned for the safety of the motoring public in Reading, Berks County, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, and throughout Eastern and Central Pennsylvania. The personal injury attorneys near Philadelphia serve auto, truck, and motorcycle accident victims and their families in claims and cases involving serious injury and death caused by the negligence of others. The firm also handles workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, and nursing home neglect cases.
From the desk of Adam K. Levin, Esquire