According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 18 percent of injury crashes in 2010 were reportedly due to distracted driving. In 2011, more than 3,330 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver and 387,000 were injured. Those affected in Wisconsin may want to speak with one of our Milwaukee Auto Accidents Attorney to discuss the options.
Many drivers participate in distracted driving and don’t even know it. Did you know that sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes away from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds? That may not sound like a lot, but consider this, at 55-miles-per-hour, that is the equivalent of not looking at the road while driving for the entire length of a football field.
Distracted driving takes many forms. All distractions endanger both those in the vehicle as well as bystanders and other drivers and passengers. A driver may become distracted by:
- Texting
- Using a cell phone or smartphone
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming
- Reading, including maps
- Using a navigation system
- Watching a video
- Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
One of the more dangerous distractions on the in recent years is those associated with cell phones. A recent Centers for Disease Control Study showed that this habit may be more of an issue in the United States than in Europe. The analysis showed 69 percent of U.S. drivers aged 18-64 reportedly talked on their cell phones while driving in the past 30 days. The CDC also estimates nine people are killed and more than 1,060 are injured daily by distracted drivers.
If you think your motor vehicle accident was caused by another driver’s distracted driving, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries. Speak with one of our Milwaukee Auto Accidents Attorney today and discuss your options.Â
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