Florida Is the 2nd Worst State for Distracted Driving
When a motorist uses their cell phone or loses concentration behind the wheel, it can have devastating results. If you've been injured or lost a loved one because of a distracted driver, it's crucial that you speak with a skilled car accident lawyer about the collision.
Obtain compensation for your losses and hold the responsible parties accountable with the help of an Experienced Brevard County Auto Accident Attorney at Charpentier Law Firm, P.A.
The 2017 Report on Distracted Driving
As reported by the South Florida Sun Sentinel, the online insurance firm EverQuote Inc. found that 92 percent of drivers nationwide had used their cell phone while behind the wheel in the last 30 days. This data was compiled through the EverDrive motion-sensing app. Only the state of Louisiana surpassed Florida in distracted driving.
The EverDrive app measured instances of speeding, aggressive turning, hard braking, and other potentially reckless behaviors while a driver's phone was in use. The information came from an estimated 2.7 million vehicle trips and 230 million miles traveled.
It should be noted, however, that the EverDrive app did not account for cell phone use with a hands-free device.
The Numbers Could Be Even Higher
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, nearly 50,000 auto accidents in 2016 were the result of distracted driving. These distracted driving collisions caused 233 deaths and more than 3,500 serious injuries.
Sgt. Mark Wysocky of the Florida Highway Patrol was interviewed in that piece, and he remarked that people involved in auto accidents may not want to disclose that they were using their phone before their crash.
The Dangers of Driving While Using Your Phone
If you use your cell phone while driving, part of your attention is diverted from the road ahead. Even if you are just looking at your phone for a few seconds, a vehicle on the highway can travel hundreds of feet in that amount of time.
If you text while driving, both eyes are off the road and at least one hand is off the wheel, which can reduce the ability to control a vehicle and note any hazards that are nearby.
Other Causes of Distracted Driving:
Cell phones are one of the biggest causes of distracted driving, but they are not the only danger. Motorists should also be wary of the following distractions:
- Eating while driving
- Grooming while driving
- Reaching for objects in the vehicle
- Reading directions
- Using GPS
- Rubbernecking
The Numbers Could Be Even Higher
Whenever you are behind the wheel, your full attention should be on the road ahead and your side and rear-view mirrors. Both hands should be on the wheel to maintain control.
If you must take a phone call, be sure to use a hands-free set to minimize distractions. For other actions that could be distracting, only perform those actions when your vehicle is parked safely out of traffic.
Get Help After A Distracted Driving Accident
If you or someone you care about has been injured in an auto accident caused by a distracted driver, our legal team can help. We encourage you to schedule a legal consultation online or call our office at 321-308-8020.
WE HAVE A HISTORY OF SUCCESS
IN BREVARD COUNTY
Over the past 40-plus years of helping Brevard County's injured and mistreated, our firm has obtained some $65 million in recoveries on behalf of our clients, highlighted by an $8 million product liability award in 2001.
The team at Charpentier Law Firm has the negotiation skills to reach favorable settlements in many cases, but also has the experience and perseverance to try a case to verdict whenever it is in the best interests of our clients. Our history of success illustrates our dedication to our clients and their pursuit of justice. Our personal injury attorneys in Melbourne, Titusville, and Cocoa are proud to offer superior legal representation to victims and their families throughout Brevard County and Central Florida.