According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), distracted driving accounted for approximately 56,425 vehicular accidents in 2021. Of those accidents, 2,723 resulted in serious bodily injuries and 333 resulted in death. It is believed that these numbers are low, however, as it is difficult for investigators to prove or evaluate the level of distraction a driver was facing when an accident occurs. When driving along Florida’s crowded roadways, it is imperative that you avoid distractions so that you can remain vigilant in traffic.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is, most simply, when a driver’s mind is not focused on the road and vehicles that surround them. There are two obvious physical effects of distracted driving, and another less-obvious result:
Eyes off the road typically occurs when the driver is reading a billboard, looking in mirrors, or peering over at other situations on the road (such as an accident).
Hands off the wheel typically occurs when the driver is eating, drinking, using a phone, or manipulating instruments within the car.
General inattention is the third, less obvious, result of distracted driving. This can include talking to passengers, others on the phone, being lost in thought, or daydreaming.
Risks of Distracted Driving
According to a 2006 study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, taking your eyes off the road for two seconds doubles your chances of a crash. Further, if a driver’s distraction involves moving the body outside of the normal driving position (reaching for something or turning around to look at a child), the risk of injury to that driver increases. Safety features are designed to protect a driver and passengers who are seated in upright positions – they do not keep other positions nearly as safe.
Another important risk of distracted driving is the potential to cause injuries to others. From vehicles to bicycles, pedestrians, and animals on the road, distracted drivers have a higher chance of either missing their opportunity to stop in time to avoid collision – or never even slowing down. The results of this can be deadly.
With an accident comes liability. In most distracted driving accident lawsuits, the distracted driver is found negligent and responsible for damages to the properties and people involved in the crash. These damages (to be paid) can include:
- medical bills (present and future)
- future medical and rehabilitation costs
- lost wages
- emotional injuries
- pain and suffering
- wrongful death
Distracted Driving Statistics
Our cell phones are our biggest driving distraction, without a doubt. From phone calls to apps and text messages, the handheld device that holds 256 gigabytes of pure distraction is a major influence in distracted driving. Below are a few examples of how prevalent texting and driving accidents have become.
- 64% of car accidents today involve drivers who were texting and driving
- 1 out of 4 car accidents is due to texting and driving
- Texting and driving is 600% more likely to cause an accident than drunk driving
- 33% of drivers between the ages of 18 and 64 self-reported that they have texted and driven at the same time in the past 30 days.
Were You in a Distracted Driving Car Accident?
We can help. Whether you were the victim of a distracted driver or the driver who was distracted, the attorneys at Cohen & Newmark LLC hold extensive experience in navigating distracted driving accident cases. We work together with our clients to conduct thorough investigations, deal with law enforcement, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for your rights. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
