Distracted driving has become the leading cause of fatal car accidents in the United States. Cell phone usage, texting, taking photographs, eating, drinking, conversing with passengers in the car, and reaching across the seat for an object are all forms of distracted driving. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that 660,000 drivers admit to operating their vehicle while engaging in distracted driving behaviors.
Accidents happen, even to the most cautious drivers, but distracted driving accidents are completely preventable. It is easy to become distracted by the scenery when driving in the summer. Summer events, such as carnivals and fairs, and driving along the coast can take our attention off the road and increase the risk for a car accident. However, making a conscious decision to engage in distracted driving behaviors has fatal consequences.
Distracted Driving Accidents Shown to Increase
According to research conducted by Travelers Insurance, distracted driving increases by eight percent during the summer months of June, July, and August. Teenagers out of school for the summer, family vacations, and holiday travel significantly increase the amount of traffic on the road, which also increases the amount of distracted drivers. In fact, the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are known as the Deadliest Days of Summer.
AAA reports that 60 percent of all car accidents are caused by distracted drivers. Teenage drivers between 16 and 21 years old are more likely to engage in distracted driving behaviors. An average of 10 people die in car accidents with distracted teenage drivers each day in the United States, with July being the most dangerous month for distracted driving accidents.
Cell phone use and texting are the most common types of distracted driving, but distractions by other passengers or pets in the car are equally dangerous. With children off from school in the summer months, parents can easily be distracted by their young ones in the backseat. Quarreling, throwing objects, and spilled food and drinks tempt parents to reach into the backseat or take their eyes off the road to tend to their children. The few seconds it takes to assist a child can lead to a serious or fatal car accident.
Preventing Distracted Driving Accidents
Preventing distracted driving accidents is easy when you adhere to the following guidelines:
- Turn off your cell phone.
- Pull off to the side of the road or to a rest area to make a phone call, send a text, or use an online navigation system.
- Limit the number of passengers in the car and leave pets at home or secure them in the rear of the vehicle.
- Refrain from eating or drinking while driving.
- Teach children to use conversational voices and proper behavior to avoid driver distraction.
- Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you.
Blackwood Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Office of Mark S. Nathan Help Victims of Car Accidents Claim Compensation
If you have been injured in a car accident, a Blackwood car accident lawyer at the Law Office of Mark S. Nathan can help. Call us at 856-232-5559 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. Located in Blackwood, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Clementon, Deptford, Glassboro, Lindenwold, Pine Hill, Pitman, Turnersville, Williamstown, Camden County, Gloucester County and Philadelphia, PA.