According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 88 percent of millennial-aged drivers around the country admitted to risky behavior while behind the wheel. The “It Can Wait” campaign from AT&T reports that around 70 percent of people said they used their smartphones in some capacity while driving. Almost two-thirds said they kept their smartphones where they could reach them, and 40 percent of people who used smartphones said they used social media while driving. Around 17 percent used Facebook, 14 percent used Twitter and 12 percent used Instagram while behind the wheel. Among those smartphone users, about 30 percent said they surfed the internet and 10 percent used video chat.
Distracted driving is a serious problem. Between 4,000 and 6,000 people annually die because of distracted drivers while up to 600,000 others are injured. Several organizations have been formed to educate the public about the dangers of this risky behavior.
Parents are also urged to be good role models for their children. They should realize that distracted driving is as dangerous as driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Smartphones should be turned off when in the car, and if necessary, the driver should be reminded to do so.
Car accidents caused by distracted drivers can be devastating. If people who are injured in the accident do not receive adequate compensation from the insurance company, they may want to file a lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident. Damages sought could include medical expenses, lost wages and other applicable amounts, and having the assistance of an attorney could be advisable.
