Distracted driving has become a significant concern in Florida, with the state witnessing a rise in the number of distracted driving crashes. The Sunshine State ranks high in distracted driving fatalities, making it crucial to address this issue and take necessary measures to ensure road safety.
The Impact of Distracted Driving Crashes in Florida
Florida has emerged as one of the worst states in the country for distracted driving crashes. According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the state recorded a total of 514 distracted driving fatalities from 2019 to 2020, ranking it as the second-worst state after Louisiana. The alarming number of distracted driving crashes highlights the urgent need for action to address this issue and protect the lives of motorists and pedestrians.
Common Distractions While Driving
Distracted driving can take various forms, and some distractions are more prevalent than others. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identifies several common distractions that lead to car accidents:
- Texting and Driving: Texting while driving is considered the most dangerous form of distracted driving. It involves all three types of distraction: visual, manual, and cognitive. Taking your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off driving significantly increases the risk of an accident.
- Using a Cell Phone: Even talking on a hands-free phone can be distracting and contribute to the likelihood of a car accident. Engaging in phone conversations diverts the driver’s attention from the road, impairing their ability to react to potential hazards.
- Eating and Drinking: Attempting to eat or drink while driving can cause the driver to take their hands off the wheel, divert their eyes from the road, and lose focus on driving safely.
- Adjusting the Radio or GPS: Fiddling with the radio or GPS can be a distraction, especially if it requires the driver to look away from the road or take their hands off the wheel.
- Talking to Passengers: While it is essential to interact with passengers, engaging in deep conversations or turning around to look at them can be distracting and compromise the driver’s attention.
Proving Distracted Driving in Lawsuits
One of the challenges in distracted driving lawsuits is proving that the driver was distracted at the time of the accident. Unlike other types of car accidents, there may not be physical evidence such as skid marks or vehicle damage that conclusively proves the driver’s distraction. In such cases, the plaintiff relies on circumstantial evidence, including:
- Eyewitness Testimony: Witnesses to the accident may testify about what they saw and heard leading up to the crash. Their accounts can provide valuable information regarding the driver’s distracted behavior.
- Cell phone Records: If the driver was using their cell phone at the time of the accident, their cell phone records can provide evidence of their distraction. The records may show the time and duration of calls or text messages, which can be compared to the time of the accident.
- Video Footage: Surveillance cameras or dashcams that capture the accident or moments leading up to it can serve as compelling evidence of the driver’s distraction.
- Police Report: The police report often includes information about the driver’s behavior before the accident, such as erratic driving or weaving in and out of traffic, which may indicate distraction.
Navigating a distracted driving crash lawsuit can be complex and challenging. That is why it is crucial to enlist the help of an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the legal process, assist in gathering evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and litigate in court if necessary.
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving crash, talk to an Orlando car accident attorney at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm. Call 407-846-2240 for a free consultation. Convenient locations throughout Central Florida.
