April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, but as far as we’re concerned at McDivitt Law Firm, each month should be Distracted Driving Awareness Month. In spite of the known dangers of distracted driving, it still occurs every day on our roads in Colorado Springs. Even in autonomous vehicles, drivers still need to keep their eyes on the road. Cars, no matter how advanced, really do not allow for drivers to drive distraction-free. If you’ve been involved in a car accident with a texting or distracted driver in Colorado Springs, you need a law firm that will fight for justice on your behalf. Trust McDivitt’s distracted driving attorneys to work hard for you after an accident.
Interesting Information on Hands-Free Systems and Cellphone Use
The National Safety Council (NSC) has a great flyer on the Hands-Free Myth. A recent poll from NSC showed that 80% of drivers believed hands-free cell phones are safer than using handheld; however, according to the NSC, more than 30 studies show that hands-free systems do not provide less distraction. Furthermore, from their review of 180 fatal crashes from 2009 to 2011, the NSC states that 52% of these crashes involved cell phones. And this isn’t even a complete picture.
Additionally, a recent New York Times article discusses research conducted in Texas from 2011 to 2013 data regarding cellphone use and driver characteristics. The study shows that drivers talking on the phone decreased from 20.5 % to 16.4 %. However, texting increased from 6.4 % to 8.4 %. The study also showed that women were more than twice as likely to be texting as men.
Also, a study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety highlights the growing risks of teenagers driving distracted. The study includes video evidence of distracted driving and crashes involving teenage drivers. According to the New York Times, cellphones were involved in 12% of these crashes making them the second highest risk factor after passenger interaction. However, this risky behavior isn’t just present in teenagers. All drivers need to beware of the dangers of distracted driving and stop texting while driving. As CDOT has so eloquently stated “A text is a 5 second blindfold. Lose the blindfold.”
What to Do About Distracted Driving in Colorado Springs
Spread awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and don’t perpetuate the myths that certain driving behaviors are not risky. Remember that in Colorado texting is illegal for all drivers, and talking on a cellphone is illegal for drivers under 18. Without spreading awareness of distracted driving dangers we will not be able to prevent car accidents. Also, check out this great video of five Manitou High School students who performed a poetry slam that talks about the dangers of distracted driving. Stay off your phone, and look up! Drivers in Colorado Springs are counting on you!
It should be common sense to keep your eyes on the road at all times while driving. After all, it’s what’s stressed the most in every driver’s education program. Unfortunately, not everyone in Colorado Springs shares that sentiment which means they are putting hundreds of lives at risk each time they send a text message while driving. Whether it’s driving in I-25 traffic, along South Academy Boulevard, or on North Powers Boulevard, there’s no reason why a driver’s eyes should be anywhere else other than on the road. If you are involved in an accident with a texting or distracted driver in Colorado Springs, contact McDivitt Law Firm immediately to see what compensation you may be entitled to. McDivitt Law Firm is your source for trusted distracted driving accident lawyers in Colorado Springs and they are with you every step of the way.
