Distracted driving accidents cause several thousand deaths in the U.S. annually, plus many more catastrophic injuries that send people to the hospital. You may have noticed it continues to be a problem even in our modern age: It seems like every commute, there’s at least a few drivers you can see with their heads down, eyes on their phone.
Anything that takes your mind, hands, and eyes off of the task of driving (even for moments) is a distraction:
- Reading, sending, or typing texts
- Trying to get a map pulled up on your phone
- Talking on the phone
- Dialing the phone
- Adjusting the stereo or looking for the right song
- Interacting with or adjusting the navigation
- Eating
- Drinking a beverage
- Personal grooming
- Arguing
- Trying to break up a fight between kids in the backseat
- Daydreaming
- Feeling tired
Distracted Driving Awareness Month exists because it is so important to remind each other of the dangers of these behaviors. Recommit to putting your phone away while you’re driving; it’s true phones are not the only distraction, but they’re a big one and a common one. Place it in the backseat if you need to. Remind your friends and loved ones to stay safe by practicing attentive, careful, responsible driving. If we all work together to make distracted driving socially unacceptable, we may make a difference in the number of accidents caused each year.
Although proving a distracted driver caused the crash that injured you can be complex, it is not impossible. If you believe or know the motorist was distracted at the time of the crash, give us a call. We can determine what evidence exists to argue fault and pursue justice on your behalf.
A Tireless Advocate On Your Side
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, such as distracted driving, please call our experienced Columbia MO attorneys at 573-499-1700. After discussing the details of the crash that injured you, we will describe your options for pursuing compensation and justice. We proudly advocate for injury victims from across Missouri and the surrounding region.