Automobile accidents happen. Even the most careful and cautious driver can be involved in an auto accident through no fault of his or her own. Some accidents, though, happen from distracted driving. Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger and bystander safety.
There are three types of distracted driving, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s distracted driving website.
- Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
- Visual: taking your eyes off the road
- Cognitive: taking your mind off driving
There are so many technological items that can distract a driver or even the use of such devices by a passenger can distract a driver. Things like smartphones, text messages, GPS units, license-plate readers, in-car and dash-mounted video cameras and onboard computers are some of the popular features and accessories in cars nowadays.
Text messaging is considered the worst kind of distracted driving because it causes the driver to lose all three attention types- manual, visual and cognitive. As of July 2010, texting while driving was banned in Georgia for drivers of all license classification or vehicle type.
Local and national government have been continuing to place new laws and enforcement-type programs into effect. Just this past November, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood publicized a rule that prohibits truck and bus drivers from using hand-held cell phones while operating their vehicles. Many of the larger truck and bus companies already had a no hand-held cell phone while driving policy in place, but now, the rule will span to all truck and bus drivers as an attempt to stop distracted driving.
Here are some statistics provided from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website about distracted driving.
- In 2009, 5474 people were killed in crashes involving driver distraction, and an estimated 448,000 were injured
- 20% of injury crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving
- 16% of fatal crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving
So, you see that distracted driving accidents can cause any kind of injuries- simple or serious. TheAlpharetta Accident and Canton Accident personal injury attorneys at the Kalka & Baer law firm have helped clients throughout the state of Georgia recover what they are owed from accidents and injuries caused by distracted drivers. We represent injured victims of auto accidents.
If you have been in a Georgia car accident and are unsure what to do or who to talk to about your injuries, you should contact Kalka & Baer. If you are worried about…
- Who is going to pay your medical bills
- How you are going to replace your lost income
- What compensation you are going to be entitled to for pain and suffering
We can help. Call us for a free, no obligation consultation. At Kalka & Baer our primary focus is helping accident victims deal with both their immediate and long-term needs. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Insurance companies are notorious for not paying fair compensation. The dedicated attorneys of Kalka & Baer can help you receive a fair insurance settlement. Call us today