If you have ever been involved in a motor vehicle accident, you know it can come out of nowhere and can happen in seconds. Imagine you are driving down the street and you are suddenly struck by another vehicle. As it turns out, the other driver is at fault and was texting while they drove. A completely avoidable incident has now turned into a huge inconvenience at best; a tragedy at worst.
Distracted driving accidents are all too common in Oklahoma, and the Tulsa personal injury lawyers at Graves McLain have represented many victims of texting & driving accidents.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in the United States, 9 people are killed and 1,060 people are injured every day in crashes that involve a distracted driver.
There are three main types of distractions while driving. These include:
– Visual: taking your eyes off the road
– Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
– Cognitive: taking your mind off the task of driving
Texting & driving and holding a cell phone talking while driving are the most common causes of distracted driving accidents, however, there are many other examples of distracted driving, such as; changing the radio station, eating, talking with passengers, grooming oneself. Small pets and children can also distract your attention while driving.
Distracted driving statistics nationwide, particularly while using a cellular phone, are astounding. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports the following facts:
– 10% of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted.
– Drivers in their 20’s make up 27% of the distracted drivers in fatal crashes.
– At any given moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving.
– Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55mph, it is enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded.
– 25% of teens respond to a text message once or more every time they drive.
– 20% of teens and 10% of parents admit they have extended, multimedia text conversations while driving.
Accidents caused by distracted driving are avoidable if drivers would obey the rules of the road and follow the necessary safety precautions while driving. It is important for every parent to discuss with their children the dangers of texting & driving, drinking & driving and just staying focused on the road at all times.
Graves McLain Tulsa Oklahoma car accident lawyers have represented too many seriously injured children and adults who were victims of distracted driving.
If you or a loved one has been injured because of the reckless actions of a negligent driver, call Graves McLain car accident lawyers so that we can represent you in your time of need, and help you recover the maximum compensation.
Graves McLain Tulsa accident lawyers are experienced in handling claims against distracted drivers. We have helped many Oklahomans and we may be able to help you too.
Call Graves McLain Tulsa accident lawyers at 918-359-6600 for a free consultation.
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When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
