Is Distraction the Norm for American Drivers?

A recent Gallup poll created by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) questioned 4,010 drivers who were ages 16 and older. The drivers were asked to answer questions about their driving habits honestly, and the results were disturbing.

The study revealed that Americans are doing multitudes of other activities while they are supposed to be focusing on driving. From talking to other passengers to changing the radio station, messing with iPods, text messaging, putting on makeup and more, there are more distractions that tempt drivers than ever before.

Sadly enough, the question that many people are now asking is “Which unsafe driving habits do American drivers not engage in?” The answer to this question has a direct correlation to our safety on the road.

One of the direct consequences of distracted driving is a higher chance for accidents. Not only has distracted driving become known as one of the most dangerous epidemics on America’s roadways, but the number of car accidents that are related to distracted driving is a testimony to this statement. According to the NHTSA, over 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in 2010.

Statistics also show that drivers between the ages of 16-24 use their cell phones while driving more than older age groups, and more than half say that they have talked on their cellphone while driver. When you consider that using a cell phone can double the likelihood of an accident, this becomes a frightening statistic. One-fifth of the accidents every year are caused by 16-19 year olds, but older drivers are tempted by distractions too.

Even fiddling around on the radio can create a greater risk for an accident, and the same is true for eating on the road or talking to other passengers while driving. If we start to think about it, we have all become distracted while driving at one point or another. These distractions become a more noticeable problem, however, when we are the ones who are injured in an accident that was caused by a distracted driver.

If you have been injured by one of these drivers, there are a couple reasons why you should find out what the driver was doing when he or she hit you. Even if you do not care if they were eating, drinking coffee, or talking on the phone, figuring out the real reason behind the accident can help you obtain the compensation you need to fully recover from your injuries.

Here at Klemick and Gampel, we have helped countless car accident victims through the difficult time that follows a serious car accident. We know the steps to take to help you get back to work and provide for your family as quickly as possible, and we are always available to help you. Helping injured people in Miami and South Florida is our profession, and we take great interest in the habits of the other drivers because this is usually the reason that our clients find themselves in the hospital or unable to go back to work.

During our years of experience, we have learned that insurance companies often try to keep you from finding out about the dangerous actions of the other driver in order to reduce the value of your injury claim. One of the reasons why these insurance companies offer you a check so quickly is that they do not want you to conduct further investigations into what caused the accident. Thankfully, with the help of a skilled attorney from our firm you do not have to worry about your rights being violated.

By conducting an external investigation and interviewing witnesses, we will gather the evidence needed to prove that you deserve compensation for your accident because of the actions of the other driver. Our firm has earned a reputation for providing aggressive legal counsel for those who have been injured by another person’s negligence, and we have over 95 years of collective legal experience in doing so. For the skills and legal guidance that you need, don’t hesitate to contact our caring team today.

Unlike other attorneys, we will not agree to a settlement if it is not fair to you. We fight tirelessly for the maximum compensation that you deserve, and we can help whether you have been injured with a brain injury, burn injury, or any other type of physical or emotional trauma.