According to the NHTSA, 5.5 million car crashes were reported in the United States in 2009. 20% of such crashes involved distracted driving. Out of that census, 995 who were killed in distracted-driving related crashes were reported to be using a cell phone.
In Phoenix, the Arizona’s statewide texting-while-driving ban is one-step closer to becoming a law after the Senate approved SB 1538 by a vote of 18 to 12 last Tuesday.
The three components of distraction, which includes taking the eyes off the road, taking the mind off the task at hand, and taking the hands off the steering wheel, are all present whenever a driver uses cell phone while driving. This is the very reason that makes texting while driving as the most dangerous distraction on the road according to AAA.
Every two seconds that a driver takes their eyes off the road doubles their risk of being involved in a car crash.
If the lawmakers will successfully make the SB 1538 a law, the penalty for texting while driving will become a non-moving civil traffic violation, which has a fine of $50. However, if the driver is involved in a wreck due to texting, the penalty will jump up to $200.
But the law only applies only on reading, writing and sending messages. A driver will only be allowed to text if the car is stopped in traffic but not at a red light or a stop sign.
The high incidence of mortality due to distracted driving can be prevented if the drivers will only put away the phone while driving. Avoid unnecessary actions except for driving while inside the car. If you really need to perform other action, better stop the vehicle first in a safe location.
We recently sponsored a Viral Video Scholarship Contest for the Southwest Region, and received a number of phenomenal entries by local students promoting safe driving habits! Videos are up for public voting now, click here and cast your vote today! (Updated – voting has ended)
If you or your loved one were involved in an injury involving distracted driving, contact us immediately. We will give you free assistance.