Injuries and Death Caused By Texting While Driving
One of the greatest hazards facing motorists today is distracted driving. It comes in all forms. Cellphone use has turned the problem into an epidemic, but eating while driving, applying makeup, and dealing with noisy kids and disruptive pets all contribute and pose their own problems. Anything which causes you to distract your attention from the oad can be considered to be distracted driving. If your eyes are not on the road, how will you see what the car in front of you is doing? Or even worse, what about the car that doesn’t see you?
As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, educating the public on the perils of distracted drving is something very close to my heart. If you have been injured in a car wreck caused by someone who was negligently enaged in distracted driving habits, I'd like to offer you a free consultation on your personal injury case. Please give me a call at 800-354-6275 and I'd be happy to disucss your personal situation.
Texting while driving leads to increased distraction while operating a motor vehicle, such as a car, truck, or train. A study released in July 2009 by Virginia Tech's Transportation Institute found that when truckers text, they are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or close call. The study revealed that when traveling at 55mph, a driver texting for six seconds is looking at the phone for 4.6 seconds of that time and travels the distance of a football field without their eyes on the road.
Several recent studies have attempted to compare the dangers of texting while driving with driving under the influence of alcohol. One such study conducted by Car and Driver magazine in 2009 measured reaction-times to the onset of light on the windshield. The study compared stopping distances while reading a text message, replying to a text message, and while impaired. With a legally drunk driver, it took an extra 4 feet to stop from a speed of 70mph. By contrast, reading an e-mail added 36 feet and sending a text added 70 feet.
In the past two years, there has been an increase in legislation across the United States regarding texting and cell phone usage while driving. As of September 1, 2009, the state of Texas banned cell phone usage in school zones. The penalty for using a cell phone in a school zone is $50. Operators of passenger buses may not use a cell phone if minors are on board and drivers in the intermediate state of driving are also banned for the first 12 months. Effective in January 2010, the city of Austin has officially banned texting while driving.
15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case!
One wreck is enough! If someone's carelessness causes you to be seriously injured in a Texas Accident, you must make sure you don't make mistakes that could WRECK your own claim. Any mistakes you make could end up being very costly for you.
15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case!
