Despite all of the efforts of non-profit groups and local governments to prevent distracted driving, it continues to happen. Distracted driving includes cognitive distraction, manual distraction, and visual distraction. The increased use of personal cell phones and other electronic devices increases the temptation to drive while distracted.
If you have suffered an injury in a distracted driving car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact the hometown personal injury lawyers at Greg Baker Attorneys at Law PLLC to schedule your free initial consultation.
How Common is Distracted Driving in Kentucky?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that nearly 80% of motor vehicle crashes are caused by distracted driving. Further, nearly 65% of near-crashes involve some type of driver distracted within three seconds of the accident. In Kentucky, over 53,500 motor vehicle accidents occurred due to distracted driving. These motor vehicle accidents resulted in 169 fatalities and over 14,000 injuries.
Driving While Distracted by Cell Phone Use can Cause Fatal Accidents
At the end of September 2019, a truck driver caused a fatal car accident. The truck driver was engaged in distracted driving while watching a phone driver when he caused the car accident. Law enforcement officials have charged the driver with second-degree manslaughter. The 45-year-old driver was driving a tractor-trailer and watching a video on his cell phone when his trailer struck the rear end of another car. The two cars slammed into a third motor vehicle. Medical responders pronounced one of the other drivers dead at the scene. Two other individuals went to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
This tragic accident shows how easy it is for someone to cause a fatal accident through distracted driving. Investigators do not know exactly how long the driver was watching a video on his cell phone while driving. Nonetheless, safety officials have warned drivers that watching a cell phone instead of the road for even three seconds can be long enough to cause a collision.
Other Causes of Distracted Driving
Driving with children or passengers in the car can cause distracted driving. Drivers should ensure that children are secured in their car seats. If a child moves while in the car, come to a safe stop in order to handle the situation. Driving while fatigued can make distracted driving even more likely. Fatigued drivers have an even more difficult time focusing on the road and their surroundings. Other common causes of distracted driving include the following:
- Reading and writing
- Reaching for an object
- Using a cell phone, tablet, or another electronic device
- Engaging in grooming practices
- Smoking, drinking, or eating
- Talking or listening to kids or other passengers
- Adjusting the car radio controls
- Pets riding in the car
We can help
Unfortunately, distracted driving continues to be a common practice among Kentucky and Virginia drivers. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries caused by a distracted driver, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact Ashley Sturgell, your hometown personal injury attorney at Greg Baker Attorneys at Law PLLC in Whitesburg KY at 606-403-1222 to schedule your free consultation.