Everyone knows that distracted driving is dangerous, and yet the 2023 Travelers Risk index found that 34% of drivers have barely avoided collisions due to their distracted driving habits. In fact, roughly 3,000 people die annually because of distracted driving crashes. That’s about nine people every day. Why do people continue to drive with distractions such as texting while driving?

The main reason seems to be that many drivers think that you can drive distracted safely if you are “a good enough driver.” However, no matter what level your driving skills are at, distracted driving does not become any less hazardous.

To spread awareness for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we’re sharing the latest facts and statistics pertaining to distracted driving.

Let’s jump right in.

  • In 2020 alone, there were 324,652 personal injuries caused by distracted driving.
  • Cell phone use is reported in 12% of all car accidents.
  • Taking your eyes off of the road for only five seconds is the equivalent to driving the length of a football field without looking.
  • About 20% of car accident injuries involve distracted driving.
  • Drivers are distracted by their phones for at least 10% of the time while driving.
  • Distracted driving increases between 6:00 pm and 11:00 pm.

While cell phone use is one of the most common distractions while driving, it isn’t the only kind of distracted driving that’s dangerous. According to a survey conducted by The Zebra…

  • 5% of drivers admitted to eating while driving.
  • 7% of drivers admitted to taking pictures behind the wheel.
  • 5% of drivers admitted to applying makeup while driving.

What Is Distracted Driving?

There are three types of distracted driving: visual, manual, and cognitive. This means that distracted driving is any activity that takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off of the task at hand. Aside from the above mentioned habits, below are some common types of distracted driving.

  • Talking on the phone.
  • Reaching for an object elsewhere in the vehicle.
  • Turning around to look at the back seat.
  • Handling pets or children.
  • Engaging in road rage.
  • Smoking.
  • Getting lost in thought.
  • Using a device other than a cell phone.
  • Adjusting the radio, heat, GPS, or air conditioning.
  • Looking at something outside of the vehicle.

The bottom line is, if it’s distracting, don’t do it while driving!

What Should You Do If Hit By a Distracted Driver?

Getting into a car accident is an overwhelming experience. If this happens to you, follow these simple steps.

  • Remain calm, and dial 911. When speaking to the police, do not place any blame on yourself. The police report can be used as evidence later.
  • Collect evidence such as the names and phone numbers of witnesses, photos of the scene of the accident, and photos of your injuries.
  • Call your insurance company to report the accident. Do not accept blame for the accident.
  • Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel your injuries are minor. Adrenaline can cause injuries to seem less severe than they really are, causing car accident victims to overlook serious personal injuries.
  • Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to help you obtain financial compensation for your personal injuries.

Your personal injury lawyer will help you by…

  • Gathering evidence such as security camera footage, medical records, and police reports.
  • Filling out the appropriate legal forms and submitting them by deadlines.
  • Handling communications with your insurer and protecting you from acts of bad faith.
  • Calculating the value of your personal injury including past, present, and future personal injury related expenses.
  • Negotiating on your behalf for a fair settlement that covers your personal injury related costs.
  • Filing a lawsuit on your behalf if a fair settlement agreement can’t be reached.
  • Guiding you through the legal process.

If you’ve suffered a personal injury in a motor vehicle accident, you don’t have to handle the negative effects alone. Contact The Pottenger Law Firm to schedule your no-cost initial consultation for free legal advice from a compassionate and experienced Kansas City personal injury attorney near you. We’ll be on your side every step of the way throughout the legal process to fight for the compensation you deserve.