Have you ever been in an accident? Statistics say that if you haven’t yet, you probably will be at some point. Most drivers overestimate their driving skills and take unnecessary chances like texting and driving, pay less attention, or make bad driving choices because of that overconfidence. The upcoming Memorial Day marks the beginning of what has been termed the “100 Deadliest Days,” the warm weather season in which many new, young drivers take to the road regularly for the first time.
100 Deadliest Days
Teenagers are already considered to be one of the highest-risk categories of drivers, with extremely high insurance rates due to the increased likelihood of being involved in accidents. But during the 100 Deadliest Days, the risk climbs even higher, with a 15% increase in the number of deadly accidents involving teenaged drivers. With young people out of school and on the roads, recklessness and inexperience combine, with devastating consequences.
Passengers in cars driven by teenagers are found to be one of the biggest causes of distracted driving, even more so than accidents caused by teens talking, texting, or using social media on cell phones, though the difference is small. Use of a cell phone in any manner while driving is a principal contributor to distracted driving-related accidents for drivers of all kinds.
It’s Not About Only Your Phone
While 80% of drivers surveyed by Allstate consider themselves to be safe, one in four also report having been involved in an accident caused by distracted driving (i.e., doing something which takes their attention away from the road, whether that’s texting and driving, operating the radio or a GPS unit, eating, or dealing with passengers, children or pets). Many people repeatedly report seeing other drivers texting, but few want to admit that they take part in this dangerous behavior as well.
There is simply no safe way to use your phone while you are driving, and it is against the law in many cities and states. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states it clearly and simply: “You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing.”
Despite substantial advertising and awareness campaigns describing the dangers and tragedies that result from distracted driving, drivers continue to put themselves, their passengers, and others on the road at risk with these behaviors. With so many people participating in distracted driving, it becomes even more difficult to drive defensively and avoid accidents caused by other drivers.
Do You Think You’re a Safe Driver?
Take a long, hard look at your own driving habits, and those of people with whom you travel. Make sure everyone in the vehicle uses their seat belt, every single time. Watch your speed, and don’t take unnecessary, risky chances on the road. Tell drivers you ride with to put the phone down—and if you drive, walk that talk yourself. Doing an honest gut check can make the difference between an accident and a safe journey—even between life and death. With the 100 Deadliest Days approaching, have that heart-to-heart with your teen driver as well.
If you are involved in an accident, whether you are at fault or not, obtaining proper legal representation promptly is a very important step in protecting your rights. Turn to an experienced litigator who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact the Law Office of Jeff Green for help.
