There have been many studies about distracted driving that claim it increases the risk of a car accident as much as if the driver had been drinking and driving. Is this true? Or is it just a rumor? Keep reading to get the facts. Remember that if you are injured in a car accident, you can contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 to request a free legal consultation.
There is No Question That Distracted Driving is a Serious Issue
First and foremost, it is true that distracted driving is dangerous. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 1,000 people are injured every day in an accident in which someone was driving while distracted. That said, just because it is dangerous does not mean that it is as dangerous as drunk driving.
A Closer Look at the Statistics
Consider that in 2018, around 4,700 lost their lives in fatal distracted driving accidents. On the other hand, more than 10,000 died in accidents involving alcohol impairment. These statistics seem to point to the idea that, at the very least, more people are not dying from distracted driving accidents than from drunk driving accidents.
Texting and Driving is Considered the Most Dangerous Type of Distracted Driving
There are many types of distracted driving, but experts point to texting while driving as the most dangerous. Why? Because it involves three different kinds of distraction:
- Manual distraction due to taking the hands off the wheel
- Visual distraction by causing the driver to look at the phone and not the roadl
- Cognitive distraction by causing the driver to not have their full focus on the road
As you can see, texting and driving can be very dangerous.
Is it Really That Dangerous to Take Your Eyes Off the Road for a Minute?
Some people are not sure why it is such a big deal to take their eyes off the road for just a second or two. Consider that it only takes a second for a pedestrian to walk out in front of you, a vehicle to come into your lane, or for other serious, life-altering events to happen. Even looking down at the radio dial can result in an accident.
Do We Need Stricter Penalties for Distracted Driving?
Some people worry that distracted driving is only going to get worse, in part because the penalty is nothing more than a fine. Would bigger penalties, such as jail time or losing their driving privilege, cause drivers to think twice before texting while driving?
If you have been injured in a car accident in which one person was driving while distracted, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 to request a free legal consultation.
