Distracted driving is an ever-growing problem across the U.S., including right here in Arizona. This is despite efforts to raise public awareness of the dangers posed by distracted driving and enforce anti-cell phone use laws. And now we’re in the midst of one of the most dangerous times of year to drive.
The 100 deadliest days of summer
We’re currently in the middle of one of the deadliest periods of time when it comes to car accident. Oftentimes called the 100 deadliest days of summer, the period of time between Memorial Day and Labor Day often sees a sharp uptick in fatal car accidents, especially those involving young drivers. There are a number of reasons why auto accidents increase during this timeframe. Chief amongst them are the fact that teenagers are out of school and taking to the road more frequently, and families hit the road in greater numbers to take vacation.
The forms of distracted driving
While cell phone use remains the biggest culprit in distracted driving, there are other forms of distraction that can prove just as hazardous. Using a navigation device, changing the radio, eating, searching for something in the cabin of the vehicle, and even grooming all pose a serious risk to drivers’ attention. Even interacting with passengers can prove to be a fatal mistake.
Ways to avoid distraction
If you’re worried about your teen driver taking to the road this summer, keep in mind that there are things that you can do to keep them safe. Requiring them to keep their cell phone in an inaccessible part of the car can be enormously helpful, but so, too, can simply educating them on the dangers of distracted driving and letting them know that it’s best to stop if they need to do something else like send a text message.
Legal assistance is here when you need it
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, then you need to consider your legal options. A personal injury lawsuit may help you obtain accountability and recover compensation, but you’ll need to know how to build your case from the ground up if you want to maximize your chances of succeeding on your claim. That’s why competent legal teams like ours stand ready to assist as needed.