Distracted driving accidents killed 3,092 people in 2010 according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). Additionally, it is estimated that 18 percent of auto accidents that year involved distracted drivers.
Consulting a Clayton County attorney after an auto accident involving a distracted driver enhances a victim's ability to receive a reasonable settlement. If you have been injured in an automobile accident involving a distracted driver in Clayton County you should discuss your case with an auto accident attorney at Shane Smith Law.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving causes over 6,000 fatalities and over 515,000 people being injured annually. These figures are estimates based on data collected from police reports; federal studies indicate that the numbers could be much higher when considering accidents and injuries that are not reported to the police. Deaths from texting-related accidents are estimated to be around 16,000.
Georgia drivers should be aware of five of the most common distractions that can cause an accident. Vigilant drivers should avoid others who may be observed in these distractions:
- Talking or texting on the phone: On average a driver's attention is diverted from the road for a minimum of five seconds when texting. This is statically significant when considering that an automobile travels the length of a football field in less than five seconds while going 55 mph. Cell phone usage is distracting as the driver may not pay attention to the road.
- Manipulating the stereo: A driver who diverts his eyes from the road, whether to text or to change the volume or radio station, becomes a road hazard.
- Speeding: Statistics have shown that speeding plays a part in over 30 percent of all accidents. Speeding can cause the driver to lose control of an automobile and reduces reaction time.
- Studying a map, using a GPS or being lost: Lost drivers tend to focus on finding their way rather than driving safely. Drivers who are unfamiliar with an area can cause other drivers to become frustrated and create road rage.
If you or someone you know has been hurt by a distracted driver, meet with a Clayton County auto accident lawyer at Shane Smith Law.