Distracted driving continues to be a safety hazard for Pennsylvania’s motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, over 3,100 people died in distracted driving accidents in 2020.
Moreover, a more detailed report from NHTSA showed that thousands of others also suffered significant injuries at the hands of distracted drivers.
Distracted driving is not just about cell phones and texting
Not surprisingly, NHTSA’s reports showed that many distracted driving accidents happen because the driver was using a cell phone either to text, search the internet or make a conventional phone call.
Pennsylvania residents should not text and drive or allow their phones to distract them. Doing so is both illegal and dangerous.
However, most distracted driving accidents did not involve a cell phone. The reality is that lots of different things cause distractions.
In many if not most cases, a driver may simply have gotten lost in thought or started daydreaming.
Unfortunately, even a second or two of inattentiveness can cause a severe motor vehicle accident that can leave a Lehigh Valley resident and their family physically, financially and emotionally devastated.
Distracted drivers should be accountable for their actions
No matter the reason for the distraction, drivers who do not pay attention on Pennsylvania’s roads and cause motor vehicle accidents should be held accountable.
For one, this is only fair. Moreover, after a distracted driving accident, victims will frequently have medical bills and other accident-related expenses. They also may have lost their ability to earn a living, perhaps permanently.
Finally, there are also other, less tangible costs to an accident, like emotional distress for example. While it is hard to put an exact number on these costs, victims still deserve compensation for them.
Filing a legal claim based on a distracted driving accident can be complicated. For one, it might require some investigation to prove a driver was distracted. Victims and their families may want legal assistance with filing such a claim.