On behalf of Strom & Associates, Ltd. posted in Car Accidents on Wednesday, December 17, 2014.
Distracted driving has been a determining factor in 18 percent of fatal motor vehicle accidents, resulting in the deaths of 3,328 people in 2012. The number of car accidents involving cell phones has caused the Federal Communications Commission to lead a campaign against texting while driving.
The crash risk while texting and driving are 23 times more likely to occur than driving without diversion, according to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. The FCC has created a coalition of organizations to combat the occurrence of car accidents by developing a clearinghouse to educate the public of the dangers and consequences of distracted driving. Consumer education and outreach efforts begin with teaching teenagers and young adults that negligent and reckless behavior behind the wheel can lead to needless injuries and expenses.
To help encourage parents and adults to lead by example and practice safe driving habits, the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association has coined the phrase, ‘On the road, off the phone” to instill proper protocol while operating a motor vehicle. A Pew survey found that 40 percent of American teenagers witnessed drivers using a phone in a way that compromised safety and put their lives in danger. Furthermore, of drivers aged 18 to 20 who were involved in and survived a car accident, 11 percent admitted to sending or receiving a text message at the time of the crash.
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Despite the efforts of many organizations, many accidents are still caused by distracted driving. If such an accident results in injury to other parties, the allegedly at-fault driver may be held liable for damages in civil court. Those who suffer injury in a car accident because of another party’s negligence may be able to pursue compensation for medical bills and lost wages with help from an attorney.
Source: FCC, “The dangers of texting while driving “, December 12, 2014
