Don’t Get Distracted Driving, Save a Life
April 19, 2017
Don’t Get Distracted Driving – It Could Mean Life or Death
“Driving distracted significantly slows a driver’s reaction time to effectively avoid a crash, and no one should take that risk,” warns DHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes.
Just in the year 2016, there were nearly 50,000 crashes as a result of distracted driving in the state of Florida, which is equivalent to about five accidents each hour. Distracted driving accidents also accounted for over 3,500 serious bodily injuries and 233 deaths. In fact, distracted driving has skyrocketed 26% in the last 4 years.
In order to avoid a distracted driving accident, drivers must have time to realize the danger in order to act. Stopping quickly becomes tough if distracted, not giving the driver enough time to react. At some speeds, a driver will travel almost 100 yards after reacting to an mishap on the road. If a motorist is distracted in the least, it could cause enough of a delay to cause a serious, avoidable crash.
“When you drive distracted, you are putting the lives of everyone in your car, and on the road around you, in danger,” said Colonel Gene S. Spaulding from the Florida Highway Patrol. “Driving distracted, even for a moment, can lead to a catastrophe. FHP wants to remind drivers to take the proper steps to eliminate these types of crashes and for everyone to be more focused on driving.”
There are several instances where driver distractions can cause major issues. Visual distractions can cause a driver to take their eyes off the road for a split second, which can be just enough time to lead to an accident. Manual distractions are shifting attention or position from driving with proper technique, such as taking hands off the wheel. Cognitive distractions are caused by other thoughts on the mind that shift the focus away from being the driver.
Texting is a common form of visual distraction, which is a visual distraction, a cognitive distraction, and a manual distraction. Other common forms of distraction include eating, selecting music, watch the GPS, daydreaming, applying make-up, and dealing with backseat issues such as children’s behavior or requests.
“It’s easy to underestimate the devastating effects of distracted driving, but that doesn’t make it any less deadly for our drivers and the officers who are trying to keep them safe on our roads and highways,” said Coconut Creek Police Chief Butch Arenal. “Make a commitment today to put down your phone and whatever else might be commanding your attention and keep your eyes on the road.”
“Taking your eyes off the road to text has resulted in heartache for many of the families that we proudly serve,” said Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings. “To bring attention to this, and other forms of distracted driving, the Florida Sheriffs Association fully supports the DHSMV’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April.”
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is also partnering with AAA Auto Club Group to educate driver’s on the affect passengers can have on distracted driving.
“The driver is ultimately responsible for everyone’s safety, but an engaged passenger will help the driver get everyone to their destination safely,” said Amy Stracke from the Traffic Safety Advocacy for AAA. “Responsible ridership and safety go hand in hand.”
Source: https://www.flhsmv.gov/2017/04/03/save-life-dont-drive-distracted/
Distracted Driving Accident – Contact the Injury Attorneys at JODAT
Jodat Law Group is here to help those involved in an auto accident as a result of distracted driving. If you or your loved ones has an accident or injury resulting from a collision (or another personal injury), contact the attorneys at Jodat Law Group right away to have an attorney sit down with you at no cost and determine your options. It’s completely free for 30-minutes, and the attorney you meet with will handle your case if it’s deemed viable. Contact us today!
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