Motor Vehicle Accidents and Distractions: Use your Common Sense

Distracted driving is a major problem in the United States. Here is a passage from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that will open your eyes:

“Each day in the United States, more than 9 people are killed and more than 1,153 people are injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver. Distracted driving is driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving. Distracted driving can increase the chance of a motor vehicle crash.”

Take a closer look at those numbers. Each day nearly nine people are killed as the result of distracted driving. Not each year, each day. Along with this, distracted driving causes more than 1,100 injuries per day.

With numbers this alarming, you would think that more people would forget about distractions while behind the wheel. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Instead, the problem continues to grow.

As a driver, there are things you can do to avoid a distraction related accident. By using simple common sense, you can decrease the likelihood of a problem. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Don’t touch your cell phone unless your vehicle is stopped and you are in park. This will eliminate any temptation to talk or text.
• Don’t engage in too much conversation with passengers. This may be difficult, but it is more important to pay attention to the road.
• Keep your eyes on the road at all times. Do you really need to change the radio station? Do you really need to take another drink? Removing your eyes from the road, even for a couple seconds, can cause an accident.

Even if you use common sense at all times, there is a problem: others around you may not be doing the same. As a result, they may be the one who causes an accident. If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, contact us to learn more about your legal rights. You may be able to file a claim to recover compensation for injuries and other damages.

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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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