Putting an End to Texting and Driving

Read the blog from Frank Penney Injury Lawyers in Roseville, CA below.

According to a guide on The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website, both dedication and creative thinking are needed to end distracted driving. The FCC also states that the current levels of injury and loss due to texting while driving are unacceptable.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Texting while driving has become more popular as people have relied more heavily on their cell phones. With the increase in popularity has come an increase in distracted driving, leading to injury and loss of life. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported in 2008 that driver distraction was the cause of 16 percent of all fatal crashes — 5,800 people killed — and 21 percent of crashes resulting in an injury — 515,000 people wounded. If you’ve been the victim of one of these terrible accidents, contact a distracted driving attorney in our office as soon as possible.

Organizations are Coming Together against Texting and Driving

Many have taken proactive measures to try and reduce accidents related to distracted driving. Currently, there is no national ban on texting or using wireless phones while driving, but a number of states have passed laws that ban cell phone usage while driving. The FCC is working with industry, safety organizations, and other government agencies, to inform and educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving and is seeking to identify and facilitate the development of innovative technologies that could reduce the incidence of distracted driving.

How you can help

Every driver or future driver should take the following precautions to lower your risk of injuring yourself or others while texting and driving:

1. Give clear instructions– According to the American Automobile Association, nearly 50 percent of teens admit to texting while driving. If you are a parent or guardian of a teenager learning to drive, stress the importance of putting the phone down while driving. Before the driver even takes the wheel make sure he or she knows that taking their eyes off the road for even a second can lead to injury or death. The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association recommends telling them, “On the road, off the phone”.
2. Lead By Example– Children learn from their parent's behavior. Be a good example for your children by showing them that the phone can wait, and if it can’t, that you pull over and take the call or text in a safe place.
3. Become informed– Review the information in the FCC’s clearinghouse and other literature. Use this knowledge to set rules for yourself and your household regarding distracted driving.
4. Be active– Tell everyone that you know what you have learned about driving without distractions such as a cell phone. If you find some good literature, you can also take it to your children’s schools or church to spread the word.

You do not want to be responsible for causing an accident because of distracted driving. Each time a driver gets behind the wheel they are putting their lives at risk. Frank Penney, Sacramento auto accident attorney is on your side if you ever fall victim to a distracted driver.