The statistics about distracted driving reveal the extent of the danger for travelers on Florida roads. Information collected by AT&T about the problem showed that a shocking 70 percent of people surveyed admitted to using their smartphones while driving. With such a high percentage of people taking their eyes off the road, distracted driving has exceeded the menace of drunk driving. Annually, distracted drivers injure between 400,000 and 600,000 people whereas drunk drivers inflict injuries on about 290,000 people.
According to the AT&T survey, 22 percent of people who accessed social media while driving said that addiction to the activity motivated their actions. While driving, 62 percent of respondents said that they kept their smartphones within reach, and almost 40 percent of them used social media, especially Facebook and Twitter, behind the wheel. Close to 30 percent of people reported browsing the internet.
Several safety advocates have been campaigning to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving. One area of emphasis has been to educate parents about setting a good example of safe behavior for teenage drivers.
Although many people make a strong effort to drive safely, driver negligence remains a primary cause of motor vehicle accidents. When a drunk, distracted or reckless driver causes a crash, occupants of other vehicles that are involved often face long periods of costly medical treatment, and many are unable to return to work, further worsening their financial condition. Those who have been harmed in this manner may want to meet with an attorney to see how they can recover compensation from the at-fault motorist for their losses.
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