In 2019, preventable crashes involving a distracted driver claimed the lives of 3,142 people. That’s a nearly 10% increase from the previous year. The data was found in a new report from The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).
When a driver looks down at their phone to read a text, his or her eyes aren’t focused on the road for an average of 5 seconds. If a car were traveling at 55 mph, those 5 seconds would be comparable to traveling the length of a football field while blindfolded.
Researchers reviewed distracted driving laws, enforcement, and public education information across the U.S. and Canada for the study. In the first phase of the project, the strength of existing laws was put to a test.
The most effective laws were all found to have unambiguous statutory language that defined when and how a wireless device could be used, listed the penalties and fines in line with other traffic citations, had strong information, education, and public outreach campaigns as well as sustained coalition-building efforts.
Through the study, researchers were able to develop customized tools geared for different audiences. This included:
- Model legislation
- Presentations that provide guidance to law enforcement
- A document highlighting key components for legislators to consider in creating new laws
Safety For the Future
In the future, researchers with GHSA and collaborative partners plan to address other issues such as the effectiveness of the different minutiae of existing laws as well as alternative ways to reduce distracted driving crashes without legislation.
Other upcoming reports include a plethora of other road safety issues such as how infrastructure design impacts distracted driving, e-scooter safety, child safety in ride-hailing vehicles, traffic safety via the messaging on electronic signs as well as employer-based behavioral traffic safety programs.
Legal Representation in Car Accidents
Distracted driving is on the rise, which means there’s a bigger risk of becoming injured in a car accident. If you find yourself needing legal representation in the McAllen or Edinburg area, attorney Aizar J. Karam Jr. of the Karam Law Firm knows how to fight for maximum compensation.
Attorney Karam has earned an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. This designation is widely considered to be the gold standard of anonymous attorney peer reviews. It is the mark of a skilled attorney noticed and respected by other practicing attorneys and legal peers.
With more than 20 years of experience in personal injury law, attorney Karam can scrutinize every detail of your claim and develop a legal strategy geared toward getting the best possible outcome in your case. Whether it's through a negotiated settlement or a court judgment, our law firm will fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you need legal representation for yourself or a loved one following a motor vehicle accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We have offices located in McAllen and Edinburg, Texas.