It is almost inevitable that car accidents will occur in Florida due to the sheer number of drivers on our roads. We usually assume it’s caused by someone driving recklessly, but often times the most common factor is a driver simply not focusing all their attention on the road – otherwise known as distracted driving.
Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver away from the primary focus of operating their vehicle. Automobiles and technology have evolved considerably, making it much easier for drivers to be distracted behind the wheel – sadly resulting in an 8.8% hike in car accidents related to unfocused driving according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Alarmingly, this rise was seen between 2014-2015 alone.
Have you or a loved one been the victim of a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence? Christine Law in Sarasota, FL is here to help. Our team of experienced attorneys has handled countless cases just like yours – giving you assurance that your case will be in good hands. Get in touch with us now at (941) 548-9555 for a free consultation and start pursuing the compensation that you rightfully deserve!
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs when a driver fails to prioritize their main task of driving and diverts their attention away. Here are a few of the most common examples of distracted driving:
- Texting while driving
- Eating or drinking
- Using a cell phone
- Reading, such as a map
- Talking to fellow passengers in the vehicle
- Using a GPS or other navigation systems
Texting while operating a vehicle is especially dangerous because it requires manual, physical, and mental focus from the driver simultaneously. It has now been scientifically proven that cell phone usage behind the wheel can be even riskier than drunk driving! Unfortunately, this behavior has continued to become increasingly common among motorists all around us today.
You or a loved one may have been the unfortunate victim of an accident caused by a distracted driver, causing significant injuries that can drastically impact your life. This is not surprising given that statistics published by the NHTSA indicate potential risks of an accident occurring increase up to 23 times when drivers are using their cell phones while behind the wheel. If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. Contact Christine Law in Sarasota and take the first step towards getting the justice that you deserve by scheduling a free case evaluation today!
Florida’s Texting While Driving Law
In 2020, the Sunshine State of Florida took a stand against distracted driving by making texting on cell phones while behind the wheel a primary offense. This marked an important shift from its previous status as only being classified as a secondary offence – drastically limiting how effective law enforcement could be in penalizing those who engage in this dangerous behavior. According to research conducted at Florida International University (FIU), this new legislation should have significantly greater ramifications for drivers using their phones while operating motor vehicles across the state.
Since texting while driving is now a primary offense, law enforcement has the power to impose fines on drivers engaged in distracted behaviors. Any driver caught operating their vehicle carelessly will be subject to penalties and should take necessary precautions when behind the wheel.
Although this law limits the use of cell phones while driving, it still allows drivers to read urgent messages and make calls in certain situations – school zones and construction sites are still prohibited. Thanks to this new law on distracted driving, it has become easier for victims of car accidents that were caused by a driver’s negligence to prove and get compensated for their damages.
How To Avoid A Distracted Driving Accident
The most disconcerting element of distracted driving crashes is just how easily these incidents could have been avoided. Many people think they can manage distractions while behind the wheel, but in reality this isn’t necessarily true. Reports from the NHTSA state that 18% of all injury-related car accidents are due to a driver being preoccupied and 16% of all motor vehicle collisions were caused by a distracted driver back in 2014 alone! This data makes it clear that we need to focus on staying present when operating vehicles for our safety as well as others’.
Here are a few ways you can prevent an accident caused by distracted driving:
- Make sure you have eaten or drunk something before you get behind the wheel, or if you feel the need to do so while driving, make sure to pull over somewhere safe and pull the car to a stop. This comes down to being organized and prepared.
- Set up your GPS and anything else you will require in the car before you start driving. For example, turn on the AC and set the radio before you begin.
- The best thing to do about your cellphone is to just not use it all while driving. It is even better to put it on silent or turn it off. If you are in such a need to use it, try and pull over and stop the vehicle somewhere safe.
The most crucial thing to remember is that if you sense yourself becoming distracted, pull over immediately and stop the vehicle. By taking this action, you are protecting all of your passengers as well as other road users from hazard. Too often, lives have been needlessly lost or serious injuries inflicted due to driver negligence. In Sarasota we understand how important safety on the roads truly is; that’s why we’re here for you every step of the way.
Contact Christine Law For Help With Your Sarasota Personal Injury Claim
If you or your family have sustained injuries because of the negligence of another driver, it is likely that you have already incurred huge losses by way of medical bills, lost wages, future healthcare expenses and loss potential employment.
Christine Law in Sarasota is here to support you and ensure that your legal rights are protected. By filing a successful lawsuit, you can win the compensation required to help erase some of these losses. We understand that no amount of money can make up for the pain and anguish endured, yet seeking justice will bring about closure. Don’t try going through this alone- let us fight on your behalf!