Distracted Driving: Key Facts and Stats

Distracted driving is a major problem in the United States. Every year, this behavior causes accidents that injure or kill thousands of people.

Distraction.gov, the Official US Government Website for Distracted Driving, defines distracted driving as follows:

“Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety.”

These types of distractions can include but are not limited to:

• Texting.
• Using an electronic device in any way.
• Grooming.
• Drinking or eating.
• Talking with passengers.
• Using a navigation system.
• Adjusting the radio.

In short, anything that takes your focus away from the road is something you should avoid at all costs. It only takes one second of being distracted to cause an accident.

Below are three statistics, shared by Distraction.gov, that prove how serious this problem has become:

• In 2013, 3,154 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involv­ing distracted drivers. This is a 6.7 percent decrease when compared to 2012, but it is still a large number.
• In 2013, approximately 424,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involv­ing distracted drivers. This is an increase when compared to 2012.
• 10 percent of drivers under the age of 20 who were involved in a fatal accident were reported to be distracted at the time.
• Drivers in their 20’s account for 27 percent of distracted drivers in fatal accidents.

Even if you are paying attention to the road 100 percent of the time, there is no way of knowing what other drivers are doing. One distracted driver is enough to cause a fatal accident.

If you or a loved one is involved in a motor vehicle accident with a distracted driver, you may be able to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries and other damages. We can review your situation and help you better understand which steps to take.

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Stephanie Thompson, Estate Planning Attorney of Krueger Hernandez & Thompson SC

As the owner of Krueger Hernandez & Thompson SC, it is Stephanie’s mission to address each client’s goals for their estate plan. By identifying their wishes and concerns she can educate, guide, and counsel on the different tools and options that will effectively and efficiently accomplish those goals.

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