According to the Florida DMV, one of the biggest causes of accidents in Florida is distracted drivers. The busy lifestyles of many people in Florida and all around South Florida has become the cause of or contributing factor to distracted driving car accidents. Too many people drive while talking or texting on their cell phones, putting on makeup, eating or otherwise engaged in activities that can take a driver’s attention away from the road. Accidents caused by distracted driving are preventable and drivers can be held liable for damages caused by their negligent behavior.
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, distraction behind the wheel is anything that takes your eyes off the road (visual distraction), your mind off the road (cognitive distraction) or your hands off the wheel (manual distraction). The visual, cognitive and manual demands of a task a driver engages in, such as texting, coupled with the frequency in which a driver engages in that task results in huge safety problems on Florida roads.
Distractions behind the wheel can include, but are not limited to:
- Texting while driving
- Talking on a cell phone
- Eating or drinking
- Changing a song on the radio, CD player or MP3 player
- Smoking or lighting a cigarette
- Talking with other passengers
- Operating a GPS
- Adjusting mirrors, lights or seat belts
- Looking at outside factors, such as gawking at an accident
- General inattention such as being lost in thought
Florida Driver Cell Phone Use
The State of Florida has recently enacted a ban on texting and driving, although it has received criticism that the law is not strong enough. Talking on a cell phone while driving remains legal in Florida.
The U.S. Department of Transportation found that sending or receiving a text message takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. This means that the driver of a car going 55 mph would essentially be driving blindfolded for the length of one football field. Additionally, the DOT found that distracted driving creates a crash risk 23 times worse than non-distracted driving does.
Florida Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
Distracted driving may legally be grounds for negligence if a distracted driver causes an accident. If the distracted driver is injured in the accident, then his or her contribution to the accident can limit the amount in damages that driver can receive. Ultimately, it is not worth it to drive distracted.
People who have been injured due to a distracted driver may be eligible for damages. You should not have to carry the financial burden of medical bills, lost wages or property damages. If you have been injured due to the negligence of a drunk driver, Contact the Florida personal injury lawyers from Wolf & Pravato as soon as possible after your car accident. Justice is not automatic; we will fight for you. Contact Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato at 1-954-633-8270.
