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Distracted Driving Statistics
Did you know that, according to a study done by the University of Utah, using a cell phone while driving, whether it is hand-held or hands-free, delays a driver's reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 5,474 people were killed on U.S. roadways and an estimated 448,000 were injured in crashes involving distracted driving. That accounts for 20% of all crashes in 2009. Sadly, the age group with the greatest proportion of distracted drivers was the under-20 age group – 16 percent of all drivers younger than 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted while driving.
Main Types of Distracted Driving
The Department of Transportation defines the three main types of distracted driving as follows:
- Visual — taking your eyes off the road
- Manual — taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive — taking your mind off what you're doing
Distracted driving is any non-driving activity a person engages in that has the potential to distract him or her from the primary task of driving and increase the risk of crashing.
While all distractions can endanger drivers' safety, texting is the most alarming because it involves all three types of distraction.
Other distracting activities include:
- Using a cell phone
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Reading, including maps
- Using a PDA or navigation system
- Watching a video
- Changing the radio station, CD, or Mp3 player.
We all know that distracted driving presents a serious, life-threatening danger to you and other drivers. With the consistent rise in the use of cell phones, G.P.S. systems, and other in car technologies, people have made it a habit to use their devices while driving. Even though a few cities in the country have started to enforce no texting while driving laws, it is estimated that the number of deaths and injuries due to distracted driving will continue to increase.
Contact An Experienced Distracted Driving Attorney
Whether there are laws in place that make cell phone use illegal while driving or not, you should not be a victim of another driver's negligent acts. Each and every driver is expected to stay alert and watch out for other vehicles and hazards. If you suspect you have been injured because of a distracted driver, contact Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys for immediate assistance. We have built a reputation for innovative investigations, creative litigation and maximum results for our clients.
We pride ourselves in our client satisfaction. Contact us to schedule an appointment that works with your schedule. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends.
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Recent Results
Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys have a proven track record of success in handling automobile accident cases and fighting for what injured victims deserve.
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$2.3 Million
Net to Client: $1,200,000.00
Expenses: $200,000.00
Attorney Fees: $900,000.00
Auto Accident – Neck Injury -
$1.8 Million
Net to Client: $1,015,000.00
Expenses: $20,000.00
Attorney Fees: $765,000.00
Auto Accident – Back Injury -
$1.5 Million
Net to Client: $747,331.00
Expenses: $29,673.00
Attorney Fees: $637,500.00
Auto Accident – Neck & Back Injury
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