If you drive, ride a bike or even walk near traffic, distracted drivers pose a serious threat to your safety. When distracted drivers collide with others, these crashes sometimes result in serious injuries or even prove fatal. Distracted driving accident victims sometimes lose the ability to work, struggle with painful injuries and have financial difficulties. Moreover, the families of those who die in distracted driving accidents often struggle with a wide range of devastating hardships, from emotional trauma to financial hardships.
If you are struggling with the loss of a loved one due to a distracted driver, make sure you pore over the details of what took place on the road and explore your options.
How many people die in distracted driving accidents each year?
Every year, distracted driving claims the lives of thousands of people in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 2,800 people died in distracted driving accidents during 2018, while more than 3,200 lost their lives in these accidents over the course of 2017. Furthermore, estimates suggest that 400,000 people suffered injuries in these crashes during 2018.
Fatal distracted driving accidents are not only a serious concern for drivers and vehicle occupants. In 2018, bicyclists, pedestrians and others not in vehicles accounted for roughly 20% of the people who lost their lives in these accidents.
How can people prevent distracted driving accidents?
Drivers should avoid multitasking, using phones, eating and other activities that divert their attention behind the wheel. Also, parents need to discuss this issue with kids that drive. Even passengers can take steps to prevent distracted driving accidents, such as helping drivers with navigation and reminding the driver to stay focused on the road if they become distracted.
