Distracted driving is a known danger on the U.S. roadways. Kentucky is no exception. Despite legislators, law enforcement and researchers pointing out how risky it is to look away from the road and ignore basic safety procedures when driving, people still do it to a troubling degree. When there is an auto accident and people are injured or lose their lives, one of the main reasons in recent years is because a driver was not paying attention. Gathering evidence that this was a factor can be a fundamental part of a case.
Researchers say Kentucky one of the 5 worst states for distracted drivers
A recent study shows that Kentucky is in the bottom five for distracted driving in the United States. The study was conducted by WhistleOut and assessed states for how prevalent distracted driving is. This coincides with the start of summer and a dramatic increase in people on the road. With the current societal situation improving, more people will take to the road for trips and leisure activities – many of them younger drivers.
The summer months are also referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” because of the frequency of auto accidents. For teens, distracted driving is a major issue with 60% of accidents caused by it. In its study, WhistleOut used information accrued by Zendrive and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The combination of distraction, inexperience and recklessness makes the roads treacherous. Drivers, passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians should be cognizant of this when they head out.
The cause of an auto accident should be assessed when considering options
People seem to always have their phones handy. For many, it is an irresistible temptation to check it for emails, texts, to make phone calls, check social media and make videos. This is true even when they are behind the wheel. Despite that, there are many ways to be distracted including interacting with passengers, changing the radio, using GPS and more. Therefore, distraction is not limited to cellphone use. After an auto accident, personal injury litigation might be needed to recover for all that was lost.
People can be confronted with a litany of challenges including exorbitant medical costs, the inability to help a family and problems getting back to work. The entire case must be assessed and that includes determining if distracted driving was a factor. For guidance with deciding on the next step, professional assistance can be helpful whether that is through a settlement or a court case. This should be known from the start and consulting with experienced professionals is key.