Technological advances have changed just about everything in our lives, including driving. Improved safety features allow a car to alert us when there is a vehicle in our blind spot, backup cameras help reduce the risk of backing into a vehicle or a person and even self-driving cars are promising to reduce user error. While these advances may be advantageous to motorists, roadway safety still depends on one thing: paying attention.
The sad reality is that distracted driving is quite common. In 2016, the most recent year for which data is available, 3,450 people were killed in accidents involving distracted driving. Additionally, nearly 400,000 people were injured in 2015 as a direct result of distracted driving. These numbers should be startling because the truth of the matter is that those deaths and injuries were wholly preventable.
This is because distracted driving involves motorists engaging in tasks that should be avoided while operating a motor vehicle. One of the most prevalent of these tasks is utilizing a cell phone, whether to send an email or text message, check social media or even make a call. One study showed that during the daytime, nearly 500,000 motorists use a cell phone while operating their vehicle. If these drivers would simply put their phones away and refrain from other distractions, such as eating, searching the vehicle’s cabin for objects and even changing the radio, then needless injuries and deaths could be avoided.
Tragically, however, New Yorkers will continue to suffer extensive harm at the hands of negligent drivers. These unsuspecting victims may incur pain and suffering, but they might also face financial losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages. In hopes of recovering these damages and finding accountability, these New Yorkers may want to consider pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.