Distraction is a significant cause of accident injuries and fatalities each year. According to statistics cited by the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 6,000 people died and 500,000 were injured by distracted drivers in 2008. These statistics may be considerably lower than the true effect of distracted driving because not every state keeps accurate statistics about accidents caused by distracted driving. *
Common Types of Distracted Driving
Anything that diverts a driver’s eyes from the road, hands from the wheel, or attention from driving can be considered a distraction. However, there are some common things that are usually thought of when the term distracted driving is used and they include:
- Texting and driving - Georgia law prohibits texting and driving
- Using a cell phone while driving – particularly if it is handheld or used to instant message, check email or use the internet
- GPS devices – that divert cognitive and visual attention from the road
- Eating or drinking and driving
- Attending to passenger needs
- Playing with the radio
What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident
If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in a distracted driving accident, then please contact the experienced Georgia distracted driving accident lawyers of the Dover Law Firm for a free consultation about your case.
*Source: U.S. Department of Transportation Distraction.gov Website