Texting Isn’t the Only Dangerous Driving Distraction

By Grant Law Office on January 16, 2012

Many U.S. states have banned texting while driving, as has the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). But texting isn’t the only thing that can distract a driver enough to cause an accident. Eating, talking, and even personal grooming can all take a driver’s eyes and mind off the road and hands off the wheel – increasing the risks of a motor vehicle crash.

According to a 2010 report from the National Safety Council, approximately 1.4 million accidents per year are caused by drivers who are distracted by cell phones. This number doesn’t include distractions from texting – just those whose conversations on a cell phone resulted in a crash. A 2009 study performed at Virginia Tech found that texting while driving was even more dangerous than previously assumed. The study found that the risk of an accident goes up a stunning 23 times when a driver is texting.

In the face of increasing research exploring the dangers of distracted driving, many employers have banned the most common forms of driving distractions when their workers are on the road. Many companies have policies requiring drivers to pull over if they need to call or text and to avoid eating or using other electronic devices, like laptops or GPS units, while driving.

Distracted driving can cause serious injuries. At The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C., our experienced Georgia distracted driver accident attorneys are dedicated to helping those injured by distracted drivers seek the compensation they need to move forward after an accident. To discuss your case with us, call our office today at (404) 995-3955 for a free and confidential consultation.