The Danger of Distracted Driving Summed Up in One Graphic

Anyone Can Be a Distracted Driver

Aside from perhaps law enforcement officers, Cleveland car accident lawyers may very well have the most direct interaction with individuals whose lives have been drastically—and often tragically—altered by the effects of distracted driving. Clients from all walks of life are affected by the distracted driving accident epidemic that technology has released upon our roads. But unlike with drunk driving or speeding, where nearly all understand that the negligence involved presents a serious risk, many drivers today believe that the risks of distracted driving do not apply to them. Those who think that they can multitask, text, or make phone calls and still give their full attention to the road may want to reconsider their position based on this startling graphic from the National Safety Council.

As the above graphic shows, even the relatively minor distraction of listening to someone else talking on the phone may cause a significant reduction in the brain’s ability to assess the situation on the road ahead. Worse, this graphic does not even touch on the amplified dangers that exist when a distracted driver is texting, dialing, or reading a smartphone or electronic device behind the wheel.

According to the NSC, distracted driving is the third most common cause of driving-related fatalities, only a scant 4% behind the other well-known dangers of drunk driving and speeding. As lawmakers begin to recognize the dangers of distracted driving, more and more cities are turning to stricter penalties for use of electronics while driving. In the Greater Cleveland area, for example, Shaker Heights, Beachwood, and several other communities have made driving while operating an electronic device a first degree misdemeanor. Tougher laws, though, have not yet caused a significant impact in the number of negligent distracted drivers on our roads.

Cleveland Car Accident Victims Can Pursue Justice Through the Civil Court System

When drivers allow themselves to be distracted by calls, emails, or texts, they are breaching their duty to drive safely and responsibly. Under Ohio law, those injured by a distracted driver have the right to seek compensation for the damages suffered due to the driver’s negligence. The next time you are considering checking a text or answering a call while driving, remember the NSC’s graphic and wait until you are done traveling.

If you or a loved one were injured as the result of a distracted driver, call a Cleveland, Ohio car accident lawyer at Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA for a free consultation.