Law enforcement and safety advocates have warned drivers not to text and drive for several years. Yet, distracted driving still remains one of the leading causes of serious and fatal crashes. Distracted driving can include any activity that involves visual, manual, or cognitive distraction.
In 2018, more than 2,800 people in the United States were killed in crashes caused by distracted driving, according to the NHTSA. These deaths were only recorded from confirmed distracted driving cases where drivers either admitted to it or left behind physical or digital evidence.
Why hasn't distracted driving become less of a problem?
Indiana's hands-free law recently took effect, meaning that drivers are no longer allowed to hold or handle cellphones while driving for any reason. There are only two exceptions:
- A cellphone is connected to a hands-free device or voice-activated control.
- A cellphone is used to call 911 or for emergency purposes.
Despite the death toll and the warnings not to drive distracted, many people do it anyway. Some people use cellphones habitually to check notifications, scroll through social media, take pictures, make phone calls and send or read text messages.
A survey of roughly 1,000 drivers that was conducted by Insurance.com found that the use of cellphones while driving has become a greater problem today than it was two years ago. Survey respondents said the following activities were most to blame for distracted driving:
- Texting and driving — 24%
- Dealing with GPS navigation — 20%
- Dealing with kids in the car — 16%
- Talking on a cellphone — 11%
- Adjusting the radio or music streaming — 11%
- Adjusting heater or A/C knobs — 8%
- Eating — 5%
Survey respondents admitted to engaging in distracting activities as some point, including:
- Texting and driving. 11% said they texted while driving daily, another 12% said they did it 3 or 4 times per week
- Taking selfies while driving. 35% of those who admitted to taking selfies while driving said they did it because they looked especially good that day. Another 30 percent said they were on their way to a special occasion.
- Taking pictures while driving. 46% of those who admitted taking pictures while driving said they did it because of the majestic view. Another 38% said they were documenting severe weather and 20% were documenting car accidents that they weren't involved in.
Why hire a lawyer if I was involved in a crash with a distracted driver?
If you were involved in a crash with a distracted driver, you need someone who can launch an investigation and legally advocate for you. Medical expenses, time away from work, time away from daily activities, and other losses can take a financial and emotional toll on your life. You deserve to be compensated for every penny owed to you.
The Indiana car accident attorneys at Vaughan & Vaughan are committed to helping crash victims and their family seek justice and complete compensation. We serve clients in Lafayette. To find out how we can help you, contact us online and schedule your free legal consultation.