Distracted Drivers are the Most Dangerous

Drunk drivers, move aside. Distracted drivers are now the most dangerous drivers on the road. According to recent distracted driving statistics, distracted drivers are 23 more times likely to cause accidents, compared to drunk drivers who are 7 times more likely to cause one. Also concerning is the amount of deaths that can be attributed to distracted driving. In 2009, out of the 33,808 car crash deaths, reports indicate that 16%, or 5,474, were attributable to driver distraction. Research also suggests that up to 80%, or 27,046 deaths, could have involved driver distraction.

Distracted driving consists of any non-driving activity that increases the risk of car accidents. Common examples are eating, drinking, using a gps, talking to other passengers, and texting. Other activities could include grooming yourself, reading directions or maps, watching a video on a car tv, or changing the radio station. This list is not extensive as there is an exhaustive amount of possibilities that can distract someone from their primary task of driving.

Cell phones and texting are one of the most common driver distractions. As a response, some states have enacted cell phone and texting legislation to make it illegal to engage in these activities. In Oklahoma, the laws are a bit complicated. There is a hand-held ban for drivers with a learners permit and intermediary drivers. School bus drivers have a hands-held and hands free ban, while texting is illegal for school bus drivers, drivers with a learners permit, and intermediary drivers. While there is more legislation for hand-held cell phone use, hands-free and hands-hell cell phone use are both equally distracting.

Cell phone use, texting, and other distracting driving activities have become commonplace on the roads through the United States. The increase in technology has only made distracting driving worse and therefore less attention is being paid attention to the road. Regardless of the laws in your state, the best advice is to focus your attention to driving 100%. There is nothing more meaningful than your life.

Learn more about your rights after a distracted driving accident. Visit Oklahoma-Law.com to speak with a qualified Oklahoma car accident attorney.