Dozens of police departments in Connecticut have reported an increase in patrol cars on the streets to help crack down on distracted driving in April 2021. Drivers who are seen participating in distractive behaviors by officers will be pulled over and ticketed for endangering the lives of the public. According to the DMV, not only will drivers receive two points on their license per violation, but the penalties are also costly:
- First Offense: $150 fine
- Second Offense: $300 fine
- Third Offense: $500 fine
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, along with safety advocate groups across the county honor this month with a campaign to raise awareness on the dangers of distractions while driving.
Distracted Driving Kills Nine People…Every Day
Distracted drivers are not just causing fender benders and minor vehicle damage. Drivers who are not paying attention to the road are taking the lives of unsuspected motorists and passengers every day. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 3,142 deaths in 2019 were caused by distracted driving accidents, averaging to about nine people who die a day in the United States from mostly preventable and unnecessary crashes. According to the AAA – The Auto Club Group the top three risky driver distractions are caused by:
- The use of a Mobile/Cell phone
- The use of in-vehicle technology
- The disruption of passengers in the car
Texting & Driving Injures Hundreds of Thousands a Year
1 out of 4 car accidents in America are caused by texting and approximately 390,000 injuries occur each year from texting and driving accidents, according to the NHSTA. Injuries from these types of accidents can range from minor scrapes to permanent disabilities, the most common including:
- Neck Injuries (whiplash, strains, sprains, pressure on ligaments, herniated disc’s)
- Leg and Neck Injuries (cuts, bruises, broken bones, tears, dislocations)
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Concussions
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
Aside from immediate injuries, there are several delayed symptoms that can show up days after a car accident that can be signs of severe health conditions, possibly fatal if ignored. Seven of the most commonly delayed injury symptoms reported by KTAR.NEWS include:
- headaches
- stiffness or pain in the shoulder or neck
- back pain
- swelling or pain in the abdomen
- numbness
- personality changes
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Other Types of Distracted Driving
Not all distracted driving accidents are caused by drivers using cell phones. There are plenty of other reasons for why drivers may take their attention off the roads that are just as deadly:
- General Daydreaming: According to a report from Insurance Journal, 62% of all fatal vehicle accidents were caused by general daydreaming and distractions.
- Electronic Usage: GPS’s, tablets, laptops, radios, Bluetooth devices, and radio screens can all assist in distracting drivers from the road.
- Passenger Distractions: Friends and other passengers can be a huge distraction for drivers, especially when it comes to teen drivers. Talking loudly, playing music, or asking the driver to look away from the road can all cause serious accidents if the driver is not paying attention.
- Personal Behaviors: Eating, drinking, smoking, or putting on makeup are common harmful behaviors that could cause us to get into an accident.
- In-Car Distraction: Drivers reaching for items on the floor, between the seats, and in the back seat could not only take their eyes off the road but accidentally turn the wheel, hit the brake, or dangerously accelerate out of control.
Pay Attention CT!
Distracted driving accidents are 100% preventable. There is nothing worth the risk of taking someone’s life that could constitute distracted driving habits. With so many police officers out there fighting back against these unnecessary accidents, Connecticut residents need to be prepared to pay attention or pay the price. Unfortunately, other innocent victims may pay the price as well.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle accident due to the negligence of a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for any damages sustained. Jacobs & Wallace has experienced Connecticut personal injury lawyers that always have your best interests and safety in mind. We aggressively fight to protect your rights and obtain justice for all our clients. Contact us today for a free case evaluation by calling: (203) 332-7700
