It’s no secret that distracted driving is a dangerous problem on Florida roadways. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ “Put It Down, It’s the Law” campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. Although distracted driving isn’t limited to cell phone usage, texting while driving certainly plays a large part in vehicle crash statistics. Traffic safety agencies nationwide hope to reduce injury-causing and fatal crashes due to distracted driving.

Texting and Driving Statistics

• Nationally, 11 teens die each day in texting-while-driving crashes.
• In 2011, 3,331 people were killed in distracted driving wrecks.
• Last year in Florida, more than 3,400 wrecks happened that involved distractions with electronic devices.
• Of those 3,400 crashes, 24 fatalities occurred.
• In 2010, 18 percent of all injury-causing crashes involved distracted driving.
• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be involved in crashes.

The Dangers of Texting While Driving

Texting while driving is dangerous for a number of reasons. First, it takes the driver’s eyes off of the road. It’s estimated that sending and receiving text messages takes a driver’s attention for about five seconds. When drivers are traveling at about 55 miles per hour, this can be the same as driving the length of a football field with their eyes closed. A lot can happen in five seconds. Another driver can make an unexpected lane change. A child or pet can dart out in front of a car. Anytime a driver decides to text and drive, he or she is putting everybody on the road at risk. Drivers need to devote their full attention to the task of driving.

What to do After a Crash

Following any crash, it’s important to speak with a skilled personal injury attorney. An attorney can be a victim’s advocate during this difficult time. Not all cases of distracted driving are so easily determined, so an attorney can stay on top of official investigations. Additionally, a personal injury lawyer can also deal with a pushy insurance company. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the actions of a distracted driver, contact the experienced team at Weldon & Rothman, PL.

Legal Disclaimer: The above guidelines are educational in nature and do not create an attorney/client relationship. It is highly recommended that all Florida accident victims contact an experienced local Florida personal injury attorney to assist them with specific facts and circumstances regarding their motor vehicle accident. If you have been the victim of a motor vehicle accident in Florida, then feel free to contact Attorney Weldon toll free at (877) 730-5180 or via e-mail atinfo@weldonrothman.com

Richard L. Weldon, II is an experienced Florida personal injury attorney who has obtained the AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell. He is the managing attorney of Weldon & Rothman, PL – a Southwest Florida law firm with offices in Naples, Fort Myers, and Sarasota.