In Georgia and across the United States, thousands of people die each year because of car wrecks caused by distracted drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, also known as the NHTSA, released statistics showing that 3,166 Americans were killed in car wrecks caused by distracted drivers in 2017. Distracted driving is not only about texting or talking on cellphones while driving.
Eating a snack, fixing one’s hair or changing a radio station may cause serious road accidents. The good news is that responsible drivers can often prevent being distracted. One way to prevent an accident is to avoid having too many passengers in a vehicle. If the driver must transport several passengers, they should ask them to refrain from loud talking. Another way to prevent a car wreck is to turn off one’s cellphone while driving.
Drivers should not talk or text unless it is an emergency. Drivers who must use their cellphones should pull onto the road’s shoulder. Even though hands-free devices are legal, they can still cause accidents. In addition, eating while driving is not recommended as it requires paying attention to food instead of the road. Eating with kids in the car is even more dangerous because they can spill drinks and make too much distracting noise. Drivers should not allow anyone to eat while in the car.
Distracted drivers are frequently guilty of negligence. A serious car crash could cause a victim to have a traumatic brain injury or paralysis. Victims of car wrecks caused by distracted drivers may want to consult with a personal injury attorney. Whether the driver was texting a friend, intoxicated or simply drowsy, the victim may want to seek monetary recompense through a lawsuit.