ALARMING TRENDS IN DISTRACTED-DRIVING RELATED CAR ACCIDENTS
As previously reported on our law blog, the growing trend of distracted driving has been fueled by the popular appeal of handheld electronic devices. In June 2014, Just Drive PA, a Pennsylvania organization dedicated to increasing public awareness about distracted driving, launched a publicity campaign related to that effort.
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of Just Drive PA’s campaign was that it brought attention to the fact that distracted driving is more than just when someone looks at their cellphone. It’s also caused by eating, smoking, applying makeup, reaching for something in the back seat and more.
Now, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is reporting that distracted driving accidents are on the rise. Even worse, those statistics fly in stark contrast to the fact that in 2013, the number of highway deaths occurring throughout the Commonwealth recently fell to 1,208. That’s the lowest number of traffic deaths ever reported since Pennsylvania started keeping track back in 1928.
According to PennDOT, fatalities actually increase in distracted driving related crashes. There were 64 such crashes in 2013 resulting in death. That number represents a total of 57 additional fatalities than the previous year.
As these numbers demonstrate, the chances that Pennsylvania motorists will be injured by distracted drivers have grown exponentially. If you have been injured as the result of a preventable accident caused by a distracted driver-related car accident, you may be eligible to sue the responsible party for the damages you incurred.
Our law firm has been handling personal injury cases since 1985. We also have a member of our attorney staff who is board-certified in civil litigation. We are experienced in handling car accident cases in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To learn more, please visit our car accident webpage.
Source: http://www.dhdpersonalinjurylaw.com/, “Distracted driving crackdown aimed at reducing car accidents” Sep. 03, 2014