Houston Attorney Helping Motorcyclists Injured by Distracted Drivers
In 2014, 3,179 people were killed, and 431,000 were injured in car, truck, or motorcycle wrecks involving distracted drivers. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of drivers texting or using their phone while driving is increasing. This is alarming considering the rising number of highway crashes involving distracted driving. Distracted driving causes motorcycle wrecks. Drivers are not putting down their phones when they get behind the wheel.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving is any activity task the driver’s attention away from the road. All distractions endanger drivers, passengers, and motorcyclists. Distractions include:
- Texting, tweeting or posting on Facebook
- Using a cell phone, smartphone, or iPad
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Putting on make-up or doing your hair
- Reading, including maps
- Using a navigation system
- Watching a video, movie, or TV show on your phone or iPad
- Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
Texting, tweeting, and posting require a lot of attention. As a result, these are the most dangerous distractions. All of the driver’s focus is on the tweet or post, as opposed to the road.
Who is Distracted Behind the Wheel?
According to NHTSA, 10% of all drivers 15 to 19 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted. This age group has the largest number of drivers who were distracted at the time of the crashes.
The number of drivers purchasing and using smartphones is on the rise. In 2011, 52% of drivers reported owning a smartphone, and by 2014, that number had grown to 80%. Smartphone ownership is increasing amongst those of us who are 40 and over.
DistractedDriving.gov reports that at any given moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones while driving. With more cell phone owners on the road, this number is likely to increase.
We’ve all seen videos of motorcycle riders popping wheelies or cutting in between cars. There are plenty of responsible motorcycle riders on the road. Distracted drivers pose a threat to these motorcyclists. Some riders have begun to advocate for tougher distracted driving laws.
Distracted Driving Causes Motorcycle Wrecks – Contact a Houston Attorney Helping the Injured
If you are a motorcyclist that has been injured by a distracted driver, you may need an attorney to help you navigate the claims process. Your medical bills may far exceed what you can pay, and the responsible driver should be held accountable. Contact Chelsie King Garza for a free consultation today.
