Texting While Driving: Why It Is Dangerous
Driving is an activity that requires a person to be fully focused. Text messaging is a distraction. Many Irvine car accidents occur because the driver was distracted. Despite the fact that texting while driving is dangerous, many people believe that they can safely text and drive.
There are many types of distractions that can divert the attention of the driver: loud noises, unexpected actions by other drivers, road conditions, unruly children. A visual distraction is one that takes the driver’s attention away from the road. Another type of distraction is a manual distraction, which involves the driver’s hands being used for something other than driving: eating, turning the radio dial, etc. Next is a cognitive distraction which may be something such as not having your mind focused, thinking rather than paying attention. The big danger now is that texting while driving includes all of these situations at once. This can be particularly dangerous in the case of a new driver.
Texting And Driving Statistics
Texting is becoming the most common cause of distracted driving. People who text while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident. It is estimated that 330,000 people are injured each year as the result of texting while driving accidents and over 6,000 people annually are killed.
What Lawmakers Are Doing
Many states are cracking down on people who choose to text while they are behind the wheel. There are 10 states that forbid people from using a cell phone while driving. Thirty-nine states also forbid people from text messaging while driving. It is also illegal in Washington D.C. to use a cell phone while driving.
Despite the fact that laws forbid people from texting and driving, people still choose to do it. It is estimated that nearly one-third of adults text while they are driving. Many of these adults are setting a bad example for their teenage drivers. Fifteen percent of young people have reported that they have seen their parents texting while driving.
Injured In An Irvine Texting Driving Accident? Contact An Attorney Today
An Irvine texting driving accident can result in serious injuries. Many people are not able to work after their Irvine car accident because of the extent of their injuries. If you or one of your loved ones has been injured as the result of someone texting and driving, then you should contact our offices today. Contact Jeffrey Dawson to see if you are eligible for financial compensation.