Infographic: Are YOU Driving While Distracted?
Distracted driving is a serious epidemic in the United States. About 3,154 people lost their lives in auto accidents with distracted drivers in 2013 and 424,000 people were injured in similar accidents in 2012. Don’t become a statistic! Put down the phone, pay attention to the road, and help spread the word about ending distracted driving for good!
If you have been hit by a driver who was distracted, please contact a Seattle distracted driver accident attorney at Pendergast Law immediately to find out if you have a claim.
Distracted Driving Comes in Three Forms
Manual – Anything that takes your hands away from the steering wheel puts you and others on the road in real danger.
- Texting,
- Switching radio stations,
- Eating and drinking, or
- Applying makeup…
…while in the driver’s seat can lead to a fatal crash.
Visual – It only takes five seconds for a car traveling at just 55mph to cross the length of a football field – do you really want to cover that much distance while driving WITHOUT looking?
- Checking your cell phone,
- Looking at GPS directions, or
- Reading billboards and street signs …
…all take your eyes off the road and increase the risk of causing an accident.
Cognitive – It should go without saying that you need to put 100% of your attention towards driving at all times.
- Letting your mind wander,
- Getting caught up in a conversation with a passenger, or
- Even drowsiness…
…can lead to a trip to the hospital if you are not careful.
Help Make The Roads Safer!
Any form of distracted driving is 6 times more dangerous than driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (NHTSA). Consider whether a text message, a cell phone call, or getting lost in a conversation is worth sending yourself or another person to the hospital. It is never worth it!
There’s no such thing as multi-tasking, especially behind the steering wheel! The only way to protect yourself and others is to Stop Distracted Driving. Period.