Sending or receiving text messages while driving a car may seem simple, but it is an activity that can have deadly consequences for you and for others on the road. A documentary produced by telecommunications giant AT&T showcases the dangers of texting and driving through the stories of four people whose lives were changed forever by a distracted driving accident.
On average, a text message distracts a driver’s attention from the road for just under five seconds, according to a 2009 University of Virginia study. At 55 miles per hour, a vehicle travels the length of a football field in five seconds – plenty of space for an accident to occur, especially when a driver is not watching the road carefully.
Drivers who are texting are 23 times more likely to cause an accident than drivers who are not. The problem is especially common among young drivers. A higher percentage of drivers ages 16-30 text while driving than any other age group, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, older drivers are not protected by their age: texting and driving increases the risk of a serious accident no matter how young or old the driver is.
At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., our experienced Colorado Springs distracted driving accident lawyers can help you unravel the chain of events that led to a distracted driving crash and fight for the compensation you need. Call us today at (719) 475-2555 for a free case evaluation and to learn more about your legal rights.