The dangers of distracted driving have been well documented lately. States and cities across the country are passing legislation banning the use of phones and hand-held devices while driving. Preemption Law in Florida prohibits localities from enacting distracted driving laws, according to Distraction.gov. Here are some statistics from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to keep in mind:
- In 2009, 5,547 people died in a car accident involving a distracted driver. 448,000 others were injured.
- 16% of fatal accidents in 2009 involved a distracted driver. 20% of accidents causing injury involved distracted drivers.
- Teens are the most likely age group to be involved in a distracted driving accident.
- In June of 2011, more than 196 billion text messages were sent. This is up more than 50% from June of 2009.
- Texting—sending OR receiving—take a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. At 55 miles per hour, a car travels approximately 100 yards in that time span.
- Text messaging increases your chances of being in a wreck by 23%.
Maybe it is time that Florida legislators look into passing some laws to curb distracted driving. Have you or a loved one ever been involved in a car accident with a distracted driver?
Wooten, Kimbrough & Normand, P.A.—Orlando personal injury attorneys.
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