Accidents Caused by Distracted Drivers Continue to Kill, Injure Thousands Each Year

The legal team at Betras, Kopp & Harshman has been at the forefront of the battle against distracted driving since the issue exploded into the national consciousness six years ago. Spurred by a dramatic rise in deaths and injuries caused by people who were texting, talking and using social media while behind the wheel, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, AAA, the National Safety Council, AT&T and others mounted intense campaigns designed to reduce the number of car, truck and motorcycle accidents caused by drivers who are looking at their handheld devices instead of the road. We’re proud of the fact that we worked with AT&T to bring their “It Can Wait” driving simulator to Canfield High School so students could experience first-hand the danger they place themselves and others in when they text and drive.

Unfortunately, despite all the time and money that has been spent trying to reduce the carnage, 3,154 people were killed and another 424,000 were injured in vehicle accidents caused by distracted drivers in the most recent year for which statistics are available. In recognition of the ongoing carnage and as part of our commitment to make our community a safer place to live, we’re going to redouble our efforts to combat texting and other forms of distracted driving throughout 2016.

We’re kicking things off today by posting a video that chronicles the story of Liz Marks, a 20 year-old who suffered horrific injuries when she wrecked her car while reading a text from her mother. Like most kids, she had heard warnings about the dangers of distracted driving and like many kids, she told her mom she never did it. “I did it because everyone else was doing it,” Liz said in the video. “I thought I was okay, I thought I was invincible. But clearly I wasn’t.”

If you’re a parent, we urge you to watch this video with your kids. If you’re a young person, we urge you to watch and put yourself in Liz’s place. You can view the video here: https://youtu.be/t7911kgJJZc

Along with the video, we’re posting a link to NHTSA’s “One Text or Call Could Wreck It All” distraction-free driving pledge. Download it here, sign it and abide by it every time you get behind the wheel because that’s the best way to keep yourself, your passengers and other drivers safe.

We also want to remind all our readers to contact the experienced vehicle accident lawyers at Betras, Kopp & Harshman if you or a family member is involved in a wreck caused by a distracted, careless or impaired driver. We’ll arrange a free consultation that will enable us to evaluate your case and provide solid advice on the steps you need to protect your rights and secure the justice and financial settlement your family needs and deserves.

#vehiclesafety #caraccidents #textingwhiledriving #carwrecks