Risks of Distracted Driving

New York Car Accidents

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are three main types of distraction when driving:

• Visual — taking your eyes off the road
• Manual — taking your hands off the wheel
• Cognitive — taking your mind off the road

Talking on a cell phone, texting, eating, or doing anything that causes the driver to take his eyes and mind off the road increases the chances of a serious crash. All distractions are dangerous, but texting while driving is the most risky because it involves all three types of distraction.

The facts are alarming. In 2009, distracted driving killed nearly 5,500 people and injured a half million more. Lives are devastated in a split second.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is seeking to raise awareness of the dangers posed by distracted driving. Statistics tell only part of the story. Their Faces of Distracted Driving series gets behind the numbers and tells the inside story when families are torn apart by senseless, preventable crashes.

Help make our roads safer of all of us. Please don’t text while driving.

In 2009, distracted driving killed nearly 5,500 people and injured a half million more. But, statistics never tell the whole story. Behind these numbers are children, parents, neighbors, and friends. They’re families torn apart by senseless, preventable crashes.

On May 10, 2010, 16-year-old Ashley was killed when she lost control of her vehicle, crossed the center line, and hit a pickup truck head-on. Although her father had warned her against cell phone use behind the wheel, she was texting at the time of the crash.

Amos, Ashley’s father, now speaks to local teens about the dangers of distracted driving.

On April 15, 2009, 58-year-old Julie set off for a hike with her best friend in Rudolph, Wisconsin. As they were walking beside the road, a 19-year-old driving at 70MPH struck Julie from behind, killing her instantly. Crash reconstruction reports showed the driver could not have been looking at the road for 8.75 seconds. She was cited for inattentive driving and fined $173.40.

Laurie, Julie’s daughter, is now an advocate against distracted driving.

Stuart DiMartini is a New York City personal injury lawyer and accident attorney.