As we continue our focus on Distracted Driving Awareness Month, it has come time to take a good look at the numbers driving the campaign. According to the National Safety Council, more than 1,000 people are injured by distracted drivers every day. That’s almost one person every minute. Nine people are killed every day by a distracted driver. In 2013, the last year for which these specific statics are available, 10% of all fatal car accidents involving teens were caused by distracted drivers. In 2014, 3,179 people were killed and 431,000 were injured by distracted drivers – and causes of distraction have actually increased since that time.
Now, it is estimated that at any given time, 660,000 people are driving while using a hand-held phone. How many more are driving distracted by on-board electronics? With these statics it becomes increasingly clear that our culture’s obsession with constantly being electronically connected is posing severe and very real risks for anyone operating a vehicle. You can do your part by refusing to drive while using a phone or hands-free device, but you cannot make others behave as responsibly.
If you are injured by a distracted driver this month or at any other time, you have a right to hold that personal accountable and seek compensation well in excess of the offerings of insurance companies. Please contact the Law Offices of Mickey Fine online or by calling (661) 333-3333 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your rights.