distracted driving accidents deadly

Distracted Driving is a Real Problem in Kennesaw, GA

In 2015, the Georgia Department of Transportation released statistics showing an increase in fatal highway deaths, with roughly 100 fatal accidents occurring each month in Georgia. The statistics show that 60 percent of these accidents are single-vehicle affairs in which a driver simply ran off the road or into a median. According to news reports, some Georgia law enforcement officials refer to the growing highway fatalities as a “deadly epidemic.”

A major cause of deadly traffic accidents is distracted driving. The New York Times put together an excellent video showcasing some firsthand accounts and discussing research on the issue. According to the Times, text-messaging drivers are eight times more likely to be in an accident, and someone talking on the phone while driving is as likely to get in an accident as a person that has a legally-drunk .08 percent BAC. Overall, distracted drivers are four times more likely to be in an accident, according to the story.

Despite extensive research showing just how big of a problem distracting driving is, drivers continue to engage in behavior that causes them to lose focus on the road. People often underestimate the risk of talking on the phone, text messaging, or eating while they drive, or overestimate their ability to multitask. But with life itself at stake, practicing safe driving habits is crucial.

Common Habits to Avoid While Driving

  • This is probably the most common bad habit in Georgia and throughout the country. Texting while driving is extremely dangerous. Some research shows that texting and driving is “way worse” than drinking and driving. Texting and driving should always be avoided for safety reasons. Moreover, it is illegal to do so in Georgia and punishable by a fine.
  • Using apps or other phone functions. Equally dangerous is using your phone to access apps, music, or any other functions. For instance, one study suggested that the rising popularity Pokemon Go was causing more accidents on the road because game-obsessed drivers sometimes try to play as they drive. Like texting, using your smartphone while driving should always be avoided.
  • Talking on the phone. Research also shows that even hands-free cell phone conversations present a significant risk. Therefore, although hands-free calling is a safer way to communicate than texting, you should be aware that it still presents a risk on the road.
  • Eating and drinking. Some people eat and drink when they drive. In fact, at one time or another most people have probably tried to grab a bite or sip on a soda while behind the wheel. While there are some circumstances where this might be safe, you should never eat or drink anything that takes both hands, is messy, or can be easily spilled.
  • Any other multitasking. There are countless other ways a person could be distracted trying to multitask as they drive. Anytime you are taking attention away from your driving to do something else, it can be a problem and a safety hazard.

Be Safe: Focus on the Road When Driving

Driving isn’t a time to lose focus. As something most of us do every day, it is easy to get complacent. But paying attention and having good driving habits can save your life. If you’d like more information, feel free to contact the personal injury lawyers at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, at 833-LEGALGA in Kennesaw, GA  today.

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