• 23
  • January
    2012

The rise of texting, talking and Smartphone use while driving has greatly increased over the last 10 years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that in 2009, 448,000 people suffered personal injury due to distracted driving, including 5,474 fatalities. Teenagers are the age group that are most susceptible to car accidents due to distracted driving, and 16 percent of fatal crashes involving teens were due to distracted driving.

With so many people injured or killed due to something as simple as cell phone use or other distractions, some have called for legislation in an attempt to prevent auto accidents and save lives. Much like drunk driving laws, if bans on cell phone use pass and such laws prove to be enforceable, our nation may see a drop in such injuries and deaths in future years similar to the reduction in drunk driving accidents. Indiana passed legislation banning texting while driving as of July 1, 2011, with fines up to $500. Additionally, drivers under the age of 18 may not use any cellular device while driving.

These laws have good intentions, and preventing car accidents due to distracted driving could be as easy as drivers simply putting down their cell phones. Stay posted this week for information and safety tips regarding distracted driving and its impact upon all motorists on the road.