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Statistics show that distracted driving is still a significant issue

On Behalf of | Jul 26, 2022 | Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death |

If you sustained a serious injury caused by a distracted driver — while in a car, on a bicycle or as a pedestrian — most likely your life has been affected.  You may be in pain, out of work or suffering through difficult medical treatment.  The financial troubles you face may seem insurmountable because it’s impossible to pay your bills.

Distracted driving data in the U.S.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

  • Distracted drivers caused an estimated 424,000 injuries in the United States in 2019.
  • Distracted drivers killed 3,142 people in 2020.
  • About nine people are killed each day by distracted drivers.
  • 8% of all road fatalities involved distracted driving.

Examples of distracted driving

It’s not just using a cell phone while driving that causes people to be distracted.  Eating, finding a song to play, talking to other passengers, adjusting mirrors and putting makeup on can also result in distraction. Anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, causes them to lose mental focus or results in their hands coming off of the wheel can lead to a collision.

There are three basic types of distraction, and reckless drivers may engage in more than one type. They are:

  • Visual: Taking eyes off of the road even for a second.
  • Manual: Removing hands from the steering wheel to do other things.
  • Cognitive: A distracted mind, thinking about things other than the roadway.

Distracted drivers can be held accountable for negligence

In Connecticut, and elsewhere, various laws aim to prevent distracted driving.  For example, it is illegal to send a text message while behind the wheel.  Unfortunately, this type of behavior remains all too common.  If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, do not hesitate to contact a qualified personal injury attorney for help. It’s important to obtain a lawyer as soon as possible because evidence surrounding the source of the distraction might be destroyed or disappear.