Tri-State Distracted Driving Statistics & Laws
Distracted drivers often cause serious & fatal car accidents
Distracted driving is a serious problem in the Tri-State Area of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio, and it's important to raise awareness about the issue during National Distracted Driver Awareness Month this April.
Any activity that takes your attention away from the road can be considered a distraction from driving. This includes talking on the phone, texting, making calls, eating or drinking, and using a GPS. Even a brief loss of focus on a driver's part can lead to a serious or fatal car accident.
Distracted Driving Awareness Month
According to the National Distracted Driving Coalition, up to 30 percent of fatal crashes involve distracted driving, resulting in an estimated 11,500 to 13,800 deaths every year.
Furthermore, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that more than 325,000 serious injuries occur every year from distracted driving crashes.
As part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month this April, Recht Law Offices is sharing information about distracted driving statistics, challenges, and laws. We hope that more knowledge about the dangers of unfocused driving will help to reduce serious and deadly car accidents.
You may be entitled to compensation if you have been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver. Recht Law Offices is a leading law firm serving the Tri-State Area with offices in Weirton, WV, and Pittsburgh, PA. We can help you understand your legal rights and options. Contact us today for a free evaluation.
What percentage of drivers are distracted?
A recent survey by Travelers Insurance found that more than 75 percent of drivers admit to using their cell phones while driving. Over half say they read texts or emails, and 27 percent check social media. Shockingly, 19 percent of drivers admit to shopping online while behind the wheel.
Teen drivers are at an exceptionally high risk of distraction, so parents must educate their children on the dangers of distracted driving.
Passengers can play a crucial role in reducing distracted driving crashes by speaking up if they're in a vehicle being driven by someone who is distracted or driving recklessly.
Tri-State distracted driving laws
Each of the three states served by Recht Law Offices has laws to combat distracted driving.
In Ohio, the governor recently signed Senate Bill 288, which makes distracted driving a primary offense and gives law enforcement more tools to combat it. In Ohio, texting or using a hand-held communication device while driving is illegal.
West Virginia also has a cell phone/texting ban while driving. It prohibits texting or using a cell phone without hands-free technology while operating a motor vehicle.
Pennsylvania has the least restrictive distracted driving laws in the Tri-State Area. In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to text while driving. But it is legal to use a hand-held device for communication while driving.
In some communities, municipal ordinances restrict distracted driving further.
Challenges to overcome
Despite these laws, distracted driving continues to be a problem. In West Virginia, for example, there are 279 fatal motor vehicle crashes in an average year, including 69 that involve distracted driving.
One of the challenges to distracted driving prevention is that it is often difficult to detect. Distracted drivers may not be aware that they are not paying attention to the road. Another challenge is that there are many different types of distractions, and it can be difficult to regulate all of them.
Helping accident victims since 1952
In a distracted driving accident, seeking legal representation from a personal injury attorney is crucial. Recht Law Offices has distracted driving car accident attorneys who are experienced in negotiating aggressively for maximum compensation. We conduct thorough investigations, interview witnesses, and review documents such as cell phone records to determine exactly what happened and prove who is at fault.
If you have been injured or a loved one died in an accident, contact the law firm the Tri-State Area has trusted since 1952 to get results. Recht Law Offices is committed to pursuing every possible legal recourse to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Don't hesitate to contact us online now for a free evaluation.