Distracted driving is an issue across the nation and statistics are accumulated to determine how dangerous and common it truly is. A recent study has found that Louisiana is second in the U.S., in terms of drivers using their phones while driving. This information came via an app that lets its users see how frequently their family members are using their phones while driving.
Highway officials in the state say that the practice has reached the level of being a “dangerous epidemic.” With April being Distracted Driving Awareness Month, drivers are warned to pay attention to the road. On average, Louisiana drivers use their phones 2.4 times each time they drive. This is approximately a 20 percent rise from the national average.
The researchers for this study state that there are more than 3,000 fatalities because of a distracted driver across the country. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reports that from 2011 to 2015, 192 people died and almost 27,000 people were injured because of distractions while driving. Even those who assert that they only check their smartphones when they are at a red signal are in jeopardy. Once they have returned their focus to the road, they remain distracted for as much as 30 seconds. This can cover a great distance.
Drivers who have been injured in a car accident because of another driver texting and driving or taking part in some other activity leading to being a distracted driver need to be aware of their options. Since serious injury can result in medical costs, hospital stays, the inability to work and more, it is often necessary to seek to be compensated through a legal filing. Contacting an attorney who is experienced in litigation for a car accident can help to investigate and move forward with a claim.
Source: wbrz.com, “La. safety officials: distracted driving ‘dangerous epidemic’,” Kevin Dupuy, April 12, 2017