distracted driving

Distracted Driving is Now Considered an Epidemic on U.S. Roads

Everyone tends to think that they’re a safe driver.  In fact, many of us believe that we’re so conscientious that it’s no problem to drive in heavy traffic, change the radio station, eat a snack, and respond to an important text message – all at the same time.  Unfortunately, distracted driving has proven to be such a deadly combination that it is now considered an epidemic in the United States.

In a recent year alone, fatalities from traffic accidents in the U.S. rose by 7.2% to over 35,000, the largest increase in 50 years.  Among these, distracted driving accidents played a role in 10% of the traffic deaths.  While more than 3,000 people each year are dying from distracted driving, over 420,000 people are injured annually in crashes that involve some sort of distraction.

What Distractions are Taking Our Eyes Off of the Road?

Drivers might think that operating a vehicle is second nature and all muscle memory, but our nation’s roads can be a source of numerous hazards.  Not only do drivers need to look out for each other constantly, but traffic lights change, weather alters conditions, and wildlife can impact your driving experience. 

There are several ways that distractions affect driving.  A driver might take their eyes off of the road, they might remove their hands from the wheel, or they could become mentally distracted.  Anything that diverts the driver’s attention from the task of driving can be considered a distraction.  This could be other people in the vehicle, eating, applying makeup while driving, or attempting to operate technology in a moving vehicle.

The Problem of Texting and Driving

Cell phone usage and driving is a deadly combination.  It’s now estimated that 1 in 4 car accidents in the U.S. are caused by texting while driving.  This has become such a problem that you are now six times more likely to get into an accident while texting than you would be if you were drunk.  In the 3-5 seconds that it takes to look at a screen or hit a few buttons, a deadly accident can take place.

Potential Consequences of Texting While Driving

The risk of injuring someone or lethal consequences are the largest risk factors of driving while using the phone. Moreover, there are other risk factors as well. You should consider these risks before you pick up your cellphone while behind the wheel.

  • Breaking the law: Texting while driving is illegal, so you are probably breaking the law. You may get a fine or a ticket.
  • Increased insurance: Your insurance rates may skyrocket if you get a ticket for distracted driving
  • Damage to the car: You may severely damage the car even if you don’t hurt someone but get in an accident. It’s not cheap to replace or repair a totaled vehicle.

3 Common Types of Distracted Driving

Visual

Visual distractions make the driver take their eyes off the road. For example, activities like fiddling with the music system control to change a song, checking the vehicle’s navigation or GPS system, and searching for lost items accidentally dropped on the vehicle floor.

Manual

Manual distractions are those that make the driver take their hands off the wheel of the motor vehicle. For example, activities like smoking, drinking, eating, checking the cell phone, or adjusting the car radio.

Cognitive

Cognitive distractions take the driver’s focus away from driving the motor vehicle. For example, activities like having a conversation with other passengers, talking on the cell phone, road rage, or driving under the influence. Fatigue and stress can also cause a distraction while driving.

Distracted Driving & Motorcycle Accidents

Unlike riders of cars and trucks, motorcyclists do not have a steel cage to protect them. As a result, when another vehicle collides with a motorcycle, there is not much that separates the rider’s body from hitting the pavement. This is why motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in an accident (per 100,000 miles traveled) than vehicle occupants.

Truck Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving

Distracted driving happens when a truck driver does something that takes their attention away from the road while driving. These are a few common instances constituting distracted driving-related to commercial trucks in Mississippi:

  • Looking or adjusting a navigation or GPS device
  • Using a cell phone
  • Making inputs in the driver’s log
  • Reaching across the seat for something
  • Texting or using the phone
  • Adjusting climate control
  • Adjusting the music selection
  • Using a CB radio
  • Grooming
  • Eating or drinking

These are only a few examples of distracted driving. Truck drivers that cause injuries and accidents because of distracted driving may face serious penalties. They may have their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) suspended indefinitely or temporarily in addition to fines, jail time, and getting fired from the job. Unfortunately, these measures have not been very effective in reducing instances of distracted driving accidents.

Distracted Driving Injuries and Your Rights

Distracted driving is a national problem that is being addressed at the state level.  Fortunately, the state of Mississippi enacted a law banning texting and driving that went into effect on July 1, 2015.  The law does not have full cell phone use restrictions, however, so accidents and injuries still occur.  There are also plenty of drivers who still text and drive, regardless of the law.

Mississippi Laws Against Distracted Driving

Mississippi has strict laws against distracted driving. It currently prohibits the following:

  • Sending, reading, or writing text messages while driving a moving vehicle
  • Using social media on the phone when driving
  • Bus drivers are barred from using a cell phone even if it is hands-free if there is a minor on board

If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident with a distracted driver, let the Mississippi accident attorneys at Gardner Law Firm review your case and explain your rights. Our experienced attorneys will work hard to ensure the right parties are held accountable for the damages and injury caused to others.  Contact the Gardner Law Firm at (228) 436-6555 today to schedule a no-cost consultation.