Curbing Distracted Driving Will Save Lives
As more and more of the population uses portable high-tech gadgets, an increasing number of people are injured or killed as a result of the distractions these devices cause.

May 31, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Curbing Distracted Driving Will Save Lives

As more and more of the population uses portable high-tech gadgets, an increasing number of people are injured or killed as a result of the distractions these devices cause. Ironically, the devices intended to improve our lives can sometimes endanger us and others.

Thousands of Preventable Deaths and Injuries

The numbers of so-called "distracted" injuries and deaths have risen to pandemic numbers, quickly becoming one of the leading causes of vehicle-related accidents each year. According to United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) spokesman Ray LaHood, distractions like talking, texting, e-mailing, seeking GPS directions, eating and reading directly cause or at least contribute to an estimated 6,000 fatalities and over 500,000 injury-causing accidents each year. The highest-risk demographic is people between 18 and 49, 70% of which admit they regularly participate in some or all of these activities while behind the wheel.

Slowing the Rising Rate of Distracted Driving-Related Accidents

President Obama himself has taken the initiative to stop federal employees from multi-tasking behind the wheel by forbidding texting while driving in both government-owned and private vehicles. The USDOT has extended the regulation to include operators of commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses.

The USDOT is currently piloting programs in Syracuse, New York, and Hartford, Connecticut, to curb distracted driving by using an approach that previously helped increase nationwide use of seat belts - highly visible, active enforcement of violations and an aggressive public advertising strategy.

States Take an Aggressive Stance

Several states, New York included, have banned the use of hand-held cellular phones and other communication devices while driving (headsets are acceptable), and many more states have banned texting or e-mailing behind the wheel. A few of the bans are aimed specifically at younger drivers.

Only time will tell if these laws will decrease the number of accidents occurring as a result of distracted driving. If you have been injured in one of these accidents, or if you know someone who has, seeking the advice of an attorney who has in-depth knowledge of these cases can be an invaluable step toward protecting your rights.

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