Distracted driving, especially involving cell phones, is a leading cause of traffic accident injuries and fatalities, but it is also an easily preventable cause. Although much focus is given to the distraction caused by cell phones, other forms of distraction or inattention, such as eating, drinking, dealing with loose pets, grooming, or settling children are just as dangerous.
Over 5,000 people were killed nationwide in distracted driving accidents last year, despite the emergence of stricter laws concerning the use of cell phones and other electronic devices. Maryland is one of eight states that have banned handheld cell phones for all drivers. Banning cell phone use is only one step in preventing distracted driving car accidents in Maryland.
According to the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), there were 24,769 inattentive driver accidents in Maryland in 2008. These accidents claimed 34 lives and injured 11,578 people. Almost half of these Maryland car crashes were rear-end collisions. In order to decrease these numbers, drivers have to consciously decide not to compromise the safety of themselves, their passengers, or other motorists by becoming distracted. This is the only way to truly prevent distracted driving accidents, injuries, and fatalities in Maryland, and the nation.
Unfortunately, until everyone commits to not eating, drinking, using their cell phone, reading, or handling pets or children while driving, distracted driving accidents will continue to occur. There are legal ramifications that may help remind people of the dangers of distracted driving, however.
Distracted drivers who cause accident injuries and fatalities may be held liable for the damages they cause. Dedicated Baltimore auto accident lawyer, Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” helps injured Maryland car crash victims understand their legal rights and options so that they may make an informed decision regarding the legal action they wish to take. Please contact Mr. Heisler today at 877-228-4878 so that he may answer any questions you may have.
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