Over 10,000 people die in drunk driving accidents each year. But, the era of smart phones has allowed distracted driving to join the notorious causes of fatal car accidents.
Nine deaths are attributed to distracted driving in this country each day, according to the Washington Post. The most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicated that distracted driving was responsible for 3,166 deaths in 2017.
Distracted drivers and their passengers were not the only victims. Fatalities included 599 nonoccupants, such as pedestrians, bicyclists or motorists or passengers in other vehicles.
The NHTSA found that nine percent of deadly accidents involved a distracted driver who was involved in activities other than driving. Talking or texting on a cellphone was the biggest distraction and was the cause of 14 percent of all fatalities involving distracted driving. Other distractions included eating, talking to passengers and adjusting the radio or temperature controls.
People in their 20s comprised 27 percent of drivers in deadly accidents, according to the NHTSA. This age group had the highest percentage of drivers involved in distracted driving accidents.
Parents were not good examples of safe driving, according to new data published in JAMA Pediatrics. Most parents, at least 54 percent, texted while driving in the past month. But, drivers between the ages of 22 and 38, texted while driving more than their parents who were at least 44 years old.
A car accident victim should seek legal advice to review their rights to compensation from a distracted or drunk driver. An attorney can help gather evidence and assure that a lawsuit is timely filed.
