Distracted Driving Remains Top Cause of Atlanta Collisions
If you were to take a few minutes out of your day and stand along one of Atlanta’s busiest roads, observing the drivers as they pass by, you’d notice a very disturbing trend. Just about every other driver is distracted. Whether it’s texting on a cell phone, eating or drinking, adjusting the car stereo or talking with someone in the vehicle, it seems like hardly anyone is focused on driving. Distracted drivers have been the top cause of Atlanta collisions for years, resulting in quite a few accidents. In an effort to focus on reversing the trend, let’s take a look at what’s taking our attention off the road.
The Lay of the Law
While laws have been passed to curb the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving, distracted driving is still prevalent throughout Atlanta.
Some attempt to conceal their electronic devices when using them behind the wheel. Others display an outright neglect for the law.
Researching the Problem
State Farm insurance conducted research to show how dangerous our roads are becoming for fellow drivers, pedestrians, joggers, bikers and motorcyclists. The State Farm research shows that over one quarter of all drivers admit that they access the internet while driving. This is double the percentage of drivers who admitted to such behavior in 2009. Exactly 25% of drivers surveyed admitted to reading email while driving. This is an increase of 10% compared to those surveyed in 2009. The discouraging truth is that the number of drivers who use their smartphones while driving has increased steadily over the past 6 years. As people become more addicted to technology, the chances of them using electronic devices while driving will only continue increasing. As a result, the number of distracted driving accident cases is also likely to increase.
While there is a silver lining in these statistics that show motorists have reduced the amount of time they talk on the phone while driving, they’ve simply substituted time talking on the phone with the use of e-mail, instant messages and social networks. Unfortunately, this means that the roads are more dangerous now than ever, with even more distractions at our fingertips.
Say No to Your Device
If you get the itch to use your smartphone while driving, don’t give in. Although we live in a society of immediate gratification, we must exhibit self-control.
Whenever you feel the urge to send a text message, read an e-mail or post something on social media when driving, pull over to a safe location and ensure the car is in park before doing so. This will allow you to access your phone while you are safely away from traffic, effectively reducing the risk of a distracted driving incident for you and other drivers.
If you think that you’ll be tempted to pull your phone out of your pocket or purse when you’re behind the wheel, plan ahead. To eliminate temptation, turn your phone off or switch the device to do not disturb mode before getting in the car. Whoever is calling or texting will respect your decision to drive with your full focus on the road.
Hit By A Distracted Driver?
You deserve financial and medical compensation for your pain, suffering, missed time from work, medication and any operations that are required to remedy your injuries. Bruce Hagen will aggressively advocate on your behalf. He’ll leave no stone unturned. Whether it is pulling phone records to determine if the driver was using a phone when he caused the accident or interviewing witnesses from the scene, Bruce and his team will put in the effort that you deserve. Contact Hagen Rosskopf today.