Texting and Driving

Texting behind the wheel has become an epidemic in Jackson and across the nation. Although the word is out about this dangerous form of distracted behavior, drivers are still texting on the road. It seems like we hear about another distracted driving tragedy on the news every day. What will it take to get drivers to put their phones down? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a variety of materials to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and what you can do to help.

Texting and Driving Facts

• In 2012, an estimated 421,000 people were injured in distracted driving crashes.
• 3,328 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in 2012.
• As of December 2013, 153.3 billion text messages were sent every month in the U.S.
• 10 percent of all drivers under the ages of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reportedly distracted at the time of the crash.
• At any given daylight moment across the U.S., approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving.

Types Distracted Driving Accidents

Although law enforcement investigative efforts are still catching up to how to catch the many types of distracted driving happening behind the wheel. We know that a few different types of accidents are frequently occurring when distracted driving is involved. It’s not uncommon to see distracted drivers drift out of their lanes. This can cause head on collisions. Crashes involving cyclists and pedestrians may also frequently involve distracted drivers. If you think a distracted driver is at fault for your crash, you need to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to get the ball rolling on your case.