Pennsylvania drivers may be interested to learn that, according to a report from AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, approximately one in three drivers have made a habit of driving while distracted. In fact, many drivers, particularly those between the ages of 19 and 24, believe that their unsafe driving behaviors are actually acceptable.
It is estimated that up to 6,000 people are killed due to distracted driving every single year while another 600,000 are injured. Comparatively, it is estimated that drunk driving causes approximately 290,000 injuries every year, meaning distracted driving may actually be more deadly. Even so, approximately 70 percent of drivers still mess around with their smartphones while they are operating a vehicle. When these numbers are broken down further, 40 percent reportedly stay connected to their social media while driving, 30 percent use the internet on their devices while 10 percent even video chat while they are driving.
Several organizations have been created to combat distracted driving. For example, End Distracted Driving was created to educate parents and help them turn their teenage drivers into safe drivers. It also encourages parents to provide strong examples for their children.
Car accidents caused by drunk drivers can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. If a person suffered life-threatening or life-altering injuries in a distracted-driving accident, they may have the ability to file a lawsuit against the driver. A personal injury attorney may assist with collecting the evidence that provides proof that the driver was distracted when the actual accident occurred. Depending on the case circumstances, the attorney may negotiate with the insurance company responsible for providing the compensation for the injured person’s medical costs and other associated damages. If the insurance company refuses to offer a settlement that covers all of the damages, the attorney could take the case to court.