Posted: September 9, 2020
The truth is, anything that distracts you from the task of driving is dangerous. Driving distractions put you and your passengers at risk of severe injury and death, as well as the other motorists sharing the road with you. The good news is that every driver in America can take steps to reduce the threat of distracted driving, simply by pledging to eliminate those distractions under their control.
April has been National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. It's an important time to spread the word of just how risky it is to drive distracted. Taking your hands, mind and eyes away from the road puts you at risk for a car accident.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,477 deaths in 2015 were attributed to distracted driving. Do you know the most common sources? Here are some of the things under your control, which you can eliminate when you are driving:
- Texting
- Talking on your phone
- Eating
- Drinking
- Arguing
- Adjusting the stereo/radio/audio controls
- Adjusting the navigation system
- Staring at accidents or other distractions outside of your vehicle
It only takes a moment of distraction to get in a crash. Please remember to take measures to better ensure your safety, and the safety of your passengers and other motorists on the road.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a crash caused by distracted driving in New Jersey? Did you lose a loved one in one of these tragedies? The attorneys at Shapiro & Sternlieb are ready to stand at your side, advocating for what is in the best interest of your family.
A Note on Drunk and Intoxicated Driving
Drunk or intoxicated driving is not distracted driving, per se, but it poses similar risks. Drug and alcohol use can quickly impair a driver’s reasoning skills, reaction time, and consciousness, placing everyone on the road at heightened risk for serious injury.
Data shows that women between the ages of 16 and 24 are more likely to be involved in crashes caused by texting and other types of cellphone use, but men between the ages of 26 and 29 are four-times more likely to be involved in fatal drunk driving crashes. Regardless of statistics, it is never safe - for anyone at all - to drive while intoxicated or distracted.
All told, intoxicated and drunk driving kill more motorists than distraction. However, distraction results in a larger percentage of injurious accidents than DUI or DWI. More than 10,000 people are killed by drunk drivers and over 300,000 people are injured by distracted drivers every year in the United States. Every one of those accidents is preventable.
Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) are used interchangeably in New Jersey. This is a criminal offense. It is important to remember, however, that criminal charges are very different from personal injury claims. To seek compensation following serious injury, you will want to first speak with an attorney to make sure your interests and rights are being protected.
For a free case review, please call our law firm at 732-617-8050. We are proud to fight on behalf of people from across the state, including the areas of Newark, New Brunswick and Englishtown.
