Do Not Take That Selfie! The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Do Not Take That Selfie! The Dangers of Distracted Driving We work out at the gym to stay in shape and become more fit. Regular physical exercise and a healthy diet have many well-documented health benefits. But while working out, you can sustain a serious injury at a gym requiring medical treatment and physical therapy. The risk of injury is higher if the gym isn’t well maintained. Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous things that a person can do when behind the wheel. In fact, distracted driving is so dangerous that Distraction.gov reports that in the year 2013 alone, more than 3,000 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers. In Florida, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that since 2012, the rate of distracted driving within the state has increased by 25 percent, contributing to an alarming number of Tampa accidents.

Types of Distracted Driving

One of the most common distractions for drivers is cellphones. When driving, never use a cellphone to check your email, send messages, or to take a “selfie.” That selfie taken by while you were driving and posted on social media could come back to haunt you if you are involved in an accident. But cellphones and other handheld devices are not the only distractions that drivers on Tampa roads face. Other distractions, that can be deadly, include:

• Changing the radio;
• Eating while driving;
• Talking to passengers;
• Day dreaming;
• Performing personal grooming;
• Drinking a beverage while driving;
• Attending to children or pets within the vehicle;
• Paying attention to things happening outside of the vehicle

Who is Most Likely to Drive While Distracted?

Unfortunately, those who are most likely to drive distracted are typically young people with the least amount of driving experience. Statistics show that while teens represent approximately five percent of drivers, they are the cause of 12 percent of distracted driving crashes. Young people are the most likely to drive while distracted. Drivers from ages 20 through 29 caused 31 percent of car crashes. What is more, young people are also the most at risk of being in a fatal accident caused by distracted driving. Last year, 57 teens were killed in Florida in distracted driving accidents, and more than 38,000 teen drivers were involved in crashes.

Is Distracted Driving Illegal?

While distracted driving is not specifically named in Florida code, texting while driving is banned under the law. The Official Website of the Florida Highway Patrol reminds drivers to put down their cellphones! Specifically, 2013 Florida Statutes 316.305 are cited as the “Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Laws,” and prohibit the driver of a motor vehicle from sending text messages on any wireless communication devices while driving.

Tips for Staying Safe and Distraction-Free While Driving

Resisting distractions while driving could prevent a Tampa accident from occurring, saving your life or the life of another person. To make sure that you are distraction-free while driving, take the pledge to always turn your cellphone off and store it properly when driving. Furthermore, commit to not engaging in other distracting behaviors, such as eating while driving.

When a Tampa Distracted Driver Causes an Accident

If you have been in an accident caused by a Tampa distracted driver, you have the right to call experienced Tampa distracted driving accident attorneys for legal representation. To receive answers to your legal questions and learn more about your right to seek compensation if you have been injured by another driver, reach out to the team at the Holliday Karatinos Law Firm, PLLC today. Our attorneys are ready to talk with you now – contact us at 866-364-9529 for a free case consultation.