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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 1 in every 10 fatal U.S. accidents is caused by distracted driving. This equates to more than 3,000 deaths annually. Florida has nearly 50,000 annual accidents caused by distracted driving and ranks second in the nation for distracted driving accidents.

Statistics show that in 2021, the number of distracted driving fatalities reached an all-time high. Projections could make 2022 even worse.  

In 2021, 3,565 drivers were sanctioned for being distracted by their phones while they were behind the wheel. This is an increase from 2019 when there were only 2,080 recorded instances of texting and driving.

Motorists who are distracted when driving may miss critical objects, cues, and events, potentially leading to crashes, injuries, and even tragic deaths. The three main types of distractions, according to the NHTSA are:

• Visual: taking your eyes off the road
• Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
• Cognitive: taking your mind off driving

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal agencies are working to prevent distracted driving. Some of these efforts are:

• The CDC developed the Parents Are the Key campaign, which helps parents, pediatricians, and communities help keep teen drivers safe on the road.
• NHTSA has several campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, including their annual “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” campaign, which began in April 2014.
• In 2021, Congress provided resources, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to add distracted driving awareness as part of drivers’ license exams.
• In 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation released the National Roadway Safety Strategy. Part of the strategy includes supporting vehicle technology systems that detect distracted driving.

Individual drivers and passengers can avoid distracted driving accidents by following 10 tips suggested by BankRate.com:

1. Put your phone away: Should you need to talk or text, pull over and complete the call.
2. Use a designated “texter:” If you are driving with someone, have a passenger assigned to read and send your text messages.
3. Limit the number of people in your car: Limiting the number of passengers you allow in your vehicle has been shown to lessen the likelihood of distracted driving.
4. Try to avoid extra activities while driving: Limit eating, drinking, and smoking while driving.
5. Don’t multitask: Make a promise not to multitask while driving.
6. Properly secure your kids and pets: Make sure everyone is properly buckled in and restrained, this is not only for their safety, but it also prevents distraction.
7. Try programming the navigation beforehand: Before you hit the road, put your destination into your GPS, so you will not be tempted to enter it while driving.
8. Encourage friends and family not to text and drive: If you see someone texting and driving, speak up and encourage them to put the phone away.
9. Limit phone conversations: Talk with your employer and let them know you need to limit your phone conversations and responses while driving.
10. Don’t take your eyes off the road: Avoid the temptation of activities such as grooming, reading, and applying makeup.

Distracted driving does not have to happen. Drivers are in control of what happens in their vehicles. They need to make a conscious effort to do whatever it takes to remain undistracted while driving.

Over the years, Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. has seen the needless devastation that is caused by distracted driving. Fort Myers Distracted Driving Lawyer Randall Spivey aggressively assists victims of distracted driving accidents by devising the legal strategy that will prove victims are entitled to compensation for their damages. He encourages distracted driving accident victims to seek the firm’s assistance immediately after getting medical attention.

“There are no costs or attorney fees until a monetary recovery is received for our clients. Please contact us 24/7 at 239.337.7483, toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or online at SpiveyLaw.com,” said Attorney Spivey.