Davis Law Group, P.S.

Distracted Driving Can Be Fatal - Drive Smart

Distracted driving is the cause of several car accidents and several fatalities. Distracted driving is categorized into three types: visual, taking your eyes off the road; manual, taking your hands off the wheel; and cognitive, taking your mind off driving.

Let’s look at texting, which category does it go under? All three.

In 2009, 20% of car accidents resulting in injury, involved distracted driving. Of the total fatalities, 18% of those deaths were associated with distracting driving. Drivers under the age of 20 years old were reported to be the biggest age group involved in distracted driving – 16 percent of all drivers under 20 that were involved in fatal car accidents were reported to have been distracted by driving.

While many distractions include eating/drinking, talking to passengers, reading maps, changing music and more, texting and using a cell phone are usually the distractions at fault.

It is reported that drivers who use hand-held devices are four times more likely to be in serious car accidents. Even though we have the hands-free law in Washington State, it does not mean that drivers are paying full attention to the road while on their Bluetooth. In a recent study, it was reported that using a cell phone, hands-free included, delays a driver’s response as much as having a blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) at the legal limit of .08 percent. Can you imagine the dangers of a drunk driver on a cell phone?

If you or someone you love has been injured by a distracted driver, Chris Davis at Davis Law Group is here to help. We offer a free consultation in order to get your legal questions answered. The call is free. The information may be priceless. Contact us at (206) 727-4000.