Texting & Driving Accidents

By now, we are all aware of the risks associated with texting and driving. In fact, texting has become one of the most dangerous distractions on the road, and it’s a factor in over a half-million crashes each year.

DID YOU KNOW? You are 23x more likely to be involved in a car crash if you are texting and driving.

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Distracted Driving

Texting and driving is a very dangerous behavior, but other activities and distractions can also raise your risk of getting into an accident. Distracted driving includes eating, drinking, changing the radio station, talking on your cell phone, or even talking to a passenger. We’ve all seen other drivers doing something they probably shouldn’t be doing while they’re trying to operate a 4,000lb vehicle at 35 miles per hour. Most of us are probably guilty of distracted driving at least once in our lives.

However, that’s no excuse. Distracted driving can be very dangerous, and it puts everyone who uses the streets and nearby sidewalks at risk.

Texting and Driving is ILLEGAL!

In 2017, California implemented a law that makes it illegal for drivers to operate a handheld device for any reason. This law closed some loopholes to the already existing texting and driving ban.

Violators of this law could face hefty fines, but these fines are small in comparison to the costs associated with a car accident.

The U.S. Department of Transportation reports around 6,000 people were killed and over 500,000 were injured in crashes connected to driver distraction last year, and these numbers are believed to be underestimated. Other statistics suggest 90-percent of all drivers have illegally used their phones and other handheld devices while operating a motor vehicle in the last 12 months.

Texting & Driving Statistics

• 50% of young passengers ages 12-17 reported they’ve been in a vehicle while the driver was texting
• 50% of teen drivers admit to making and answering calls on the road, despite knowing the law
• 34% admit to texting while driving, a number believed to be underreported
• Driver distractions were officially a factor in nearly 1,000 crashes involving new teen drivers.
• Texting while driving is 3x more likely to result in a car accident than driving under the influence of alcohol

If you believe you’ve been injured because another driver was not paying attention to the road, contact The Barnes Firm today, and have our experienced car accident lawyers investigate your claim.

The Barnes Firm 1-(800) 800-0000

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