Distracted driving accidents in Utah can be deadly. They happen far more often than most people realize. And the nature of these accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries when they are not deadly. Here are some of the most important facts about distracted driving that you should know.
Facts About Distracted Driving Accidents
1. Distracted driving isn’t just texting and driving.
Distracted driving accidents in Utah and throughout the country are often caused by texting and driving. But not all of them. There are multiple other ways a driver can become distracted. These include:
- Eating while driving
- Talking on the phone while driving
- Voice to text while driving
- Reaching for something in the vehicle
- Taking your eyes off of the road to look at a person or pet
2. Approximately 7% of fatal crashes in 2019 were related to distracted driving.
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 3,000 people died as a result of distracted driving accidents. That is a staggering number, especially when you consider that the vast majority of those accidents were likely preventable. Texting while driving and all the other types of distracted driving listed above are always best left until you are not driving.
3. About 1/5 of the people that die from distracted driving are not in another vehicle.
Walkers, joggers, bicyclists – many of the people killed by distracted drivers are not in an automobile.
4. In 2018, about 400,000 people were injured due to distracted driving accidents.
There were slightly fewer fatalities in 2018 due to distracted driving accidents, but there were still 400,000 people injured. That is nearly half a million people who suffered injuries due to accidents that again, were likely preventable.
5. Almost 60% of teen automobile crashes are related to distracted driving.
It is well known that teens are often more attached to their smartphones than adults. But that attachment comes at a high cost when they get behind the wheel. Everyone should be discouraged from distracted driving, but parents should be particularly focused on ensuring that their teens are careful to avoid phone use behind the wheel.
Injured By A Distracted Driver? Contact Us
Carlson Injury is a passionate advocate for distracted driving accident victims. We believe that you should have the best legal representation you can get – and we are here to provide it. If you or a loved one sustained serious injuries in a distracted driving accident in Utah, please reach out to us.
You can contact us easily by filling out our secure online contact form. Or, you can give us a call at (801) 845-4577. Our experienced car accident attorney can answer all of your questions and help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.