In honor of Distracted Driving Awareness Month 2021 this April, our attorneys at Decof, Barry, Mega & Quinn, P.C. are raising awareness of the persistent problem of texting while driving, the leading and most dangerous type of distracted driving throughout the United States.
The Dangers of Texting and Driving
Not only does texting take your eyes off the road to look at your phone, but it also takes at least one hand off the wheel to type and your attention off driving to think about what to write. Thus, it meets the criteria for all three types of driver distraction, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): visual, manual, and cognitive. Texting and driving is one of the few forms of distracted driving for which these three categories overlap.
Other activities considered to be visual, manual, and cognitive distractions while driving include the following:
- Talking on a handheld cell phone
- Searching the internet
- Using social media
- Changing clothes
- Personal grooming
- Adjusting the radio and temperature settings
Remember, looking away from the road for 5 seconds at 55 miles per hour means that you have traveled the length of a football field without looking.
Take the Pledge
A national average of about 3,000 traffic accident deaths each year involve some form of driver distraction, according to the CDC. It is, no doubt, vital to take action to make our streets safer and reduce these disheartening statistics. Pledge to refrain from texting while driving, as well as from other forms of distracted driving, and encourage your loved ones to do the same.
About Decof, Barry, Mega & Quinn, P.C.
Statistics and common sense show that driving while distracted is dangerous, yet myriad drivers in Rhode Island continue to risk their safety and the safety of others. If you have been injured by a distracted driver, our legal team at Decof, Barry, Mega & Quinn, P.C. is prepared to help you file a civil lawsuit to seek compensation for any damages suffered. Having recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for Rhode Island plaintiffs, our award-winning attorneys are acclaimed by peers and clients alike.
To get your free consultation, call our legal team at (401) 200-4059 or contact us onlinetoday.