Distracted Driving Statistics

In 2015, distracted driving claimed at least 3,477 lives in the United States. Another 391,000 people were injured. While that number is down from 2013 (424,000), distracted driving is still a serious concern. The following distracted driving statistics indicate just how severe this problem is in the United States. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident with a distracted driver, you may have legal options. Springer & Lyle has experience with these types of claims, and we may be able to help.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is more than just texting and driving. Any time you take your eyes or mind off the road, you are distracted. It also occurs when your hands leave the steering wheel as well, even if it is for just a few seconds. Distracted driving can include:

• Eating and drinking
• Talking on the phone
• Paying attention to passengers
• Fiddling with the sound system or navigation device
• Checking email or social media

Texting is particularly concerning because it involves taking your eyes, mind, and hands away from the task of driving.

Distracted Driving Statistics

Roughly 660,000 drivers are using their cell phones during the daylight hours every day in the U.S. Teens are the largest group that report being distracted at the time of a crash, but they are certainly not the only age group that drives while distracted. Nonetheless, roughly 11 teens will die every day because of texting while driving.

Nearly one in four accidents are caused at least in part by texting and driving. In fact, driving while texting is even more likely to cause an accident than driving while intoxicated—up to six times more likely!

While answering a text only takes seconds, you can cover a lot of ground during that time. For example, if responding to a text takes five seconds, and you are traveling 55 miles per hour, you have moved the entire length of a football field without having your eyes on the road. This type of inattention is hazardous.

Telephone calls, looking at social media, and reading emails can also be dangerous distractions as well. In a national survey, roughly half of drivers stated that they would answer their phone while driving. Approximately 14% said that they would read text messages and emails while driving as well.

Getting Legal Help After a Distracted Driving Accident

Distracted driving can cause severe injuries, even death because the driver will often not react as quickly or effectively in emergency situations. Get legal help from the personal injury attorneys at Springer & Lyle with your distracted driving claim.  Contact Springer & Lyle at 940.387.0404 for a free consultation.