With more innovative vehicles being manufactured and cell phone apps offering settings that help decrease user engagement while driving, you would think we would see an increase in roadway safety and less distracted drivers. Unfortunately, studies are revealing that there has been little, if any, improvement in distracted driving based on the most current information that has been analyzed. According to NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Report System(FARS), from 2014 to 2016, deaths attributed to distracted driving increased by 14% in just two years.
Although the NHTSA hasn’t analyzed last year’s distracted driving data, it is likely there isn’t much improvement. In fact, Huffington Post highlighted that more than 10 individuals are killed and 1,000 suffer an injury every day as a result of distracted driving. So, how can we continue to recognize the problem and address it? It starts with each of us taking the initiative and avoiding engaging in any type of behavior that is considered to be distracted.
Distracted Driving Statistics That Will Help You Keep Your Attention on the Roadway
If you’re like most people, you probably have many things you are trying to accomplish in one day. And while many attempt to use the time they spend behind the wheel to get a few of these tasks completed, it isn’t in your best interest to do so. The truth is, doing anything other than driving deters your attention away from the road and puts you at a much greater risk of engaging in an accident.
So, below we highlight a few distracted driving facts from Safewise for you and your loved ones to consider that might help you think twice about driving inattentively. These facts Safewise provided come from the latest data (2016) released by the NHTSA.
- In 2016, Mississippi was rated as the deadliest state for drivers with 23.1 deaths per 100,000 people. Currently, there is no ban statewide ban on handheld cell phone usage but there is a texting ban.
- Mississippi, Alabama, and South Carolina are the top three states where you’re most likely to die in a car crash.
- 6% of all drivers in fatal crashes were driving distracted.
- 562 pedestrians and bicyclists were killed in distracted driving accidents.
- Drivers under the age of 20 are the largest group who were distracted at the time of the fatal collisions.
- The NHTSA estimated that there are approximately 481,000 drivers on their phones while driving every day.
- 42% of drivers admit they read a text or email while driving.
- One in four crashes are estimated to involve cellphone use.
In the event you have taken all the necessary precautions but still found yourself involved in a collision with a distracted driver in Jackson, Ballard Law, PLLC may be able to help you recover the compensation you deserve for the injuries and/or damages sustained. Jackson, MS personal injury lawyer William E. Ballard has extensive experience in handling personal injury cases and can help you recover the maximum compensation you are due for things like lost wages and even for the medical bills you might incur in the future. If you would like to receive a free consultation, call us at 769-572-5111 or email us at [email protected].
You can reach Ballard Law, PLLC. at:
108 S. President Street
Jackson, MS 39201
769-572-5111
