The value of automobiles in today’s world is immeasurable. Car travel provides easy access to far away cities and helps connect close friends and family members who may live some distance away.
This is a concerning statistic, and one that should not be taken lightly. Distracted driving, drowsy driving, drunk driving, poor weather conditions, and more help contribute to rising fatalities on the road each year.
Your safety is important to us, and we want you to be safe on the roads at all times. This is why we want to share with you information about a few prevalent factors that can lead to car accidents.
Distracted Driving can cause car accidents
Distracted driving is dangerous, and claimed 3,166 lives in the United States in 2017 alone. With so many potential distractions facing drivers on the road, it is understandable why distracted driving is as prevalent as it is. Legally, the following actions can constitute distracted driving:
- Using a cell phone
- Eating and drinking
- Using a GPS navigation system
- Talking to passengers
It is your responsibility as a driver to ensure you are paying attention to your surroundings while on the road at all times. If you are involved in an accident as a result of your distracted driving, you may be liable for any injuries incurred by other passengers or drivers involved.
Drunk Driving can cause car accidents
Sadly, despite harsh legal penalties for driving under the influence, every 48 minutes, someone dies after being involved in a drunk driving accident. In most states, including Florida, people who drink enough alcohol to have a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher cannot legally drive a car. Drinking while under the influence of alcohol can affect a driver’s reaction time, coordination, judgment, and general ability to pay attention to what is happening on the road. This can result in an accident and injury of others on the road.
Drowsy Driving can cause car accidents
Recent reports show that drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving, with about half of U.S. adult drivers admitting to consistently getting behind the wheel while feeling drowsy. The drowsier a driver is, the worse his or her reaction time and awareness of hazards may be. If, at any time behind the wheel, you are experiencing difficulty keeping your eyes open, drifting out of your lane, or missing road signs and turns, it is time to get off the road and rest.
Remember that, for the most part, car accidents are preventable and can be avoided. It is important that you never get behind the wheel if you believe you may pose a risk to other drivers on the road, and you should encourage those closest to you to do the same. If you have questions or need help on any driving related issue in Tallahassee, do not wait to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced attorneys. We are on call for you 24-hours a day, seven days a week.