There is no shortage of car accidents on Texas roads. And while no two crashes are exactly alike, there are a handful of driving mistakes that contribute to many car accidents. Chief among these common driving errors is distracted driving.
Distracted Driving By the Numbers
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 3,300 people died in distracted driving accidents in 2022. The NHTSA further reports that 2.1% of drivers are talking on handheld cellular devices at any given moment.
In Texas alone, 495 traffic fatalities were attributed to distracted driving in 2022. That means more than 11% of deadly crashes in Texas are caused by distracted drivers. The numbers do not paint a pretty picture when compared to other states.
Ranking States By Distracted Driving Incidents
There is no place in the United States where drivers are free from the problem of distraction. Classic distractions, like your morning coffee or noisy kids in the back, have been joined by cell phones and infotainment systems. Drivers have never faced so much competition for their attention.
While distractions are everywhere, the laws and enforcement efforts regarding distracted driving vary widely. Some states have prioritized the fight more than others. A recent study has sought to rank the various states by how much of a problem distracted driving poses.
Texas was ranked 8th worst in the nation in terms of the impact of distracted driving. States ranking even below Texas include Louisiana, Kansas and New Mexico, which ranked worst.
The three elements analyzed to create the ranking were as follows:
- Distracted driving fatality percentage
- The number of people killed per 100,000 residents by distracted drivers
- The number of distracted drivers per 100,000 residents involved in fatal crashes
How to Address Distracted Driving
Part of the issue with distracted driving is that many drivers don’t take the danger of these distractions seriously. The first tip provided by the Texas Department of Insurance for avoiding distracted driving is to recognize that it’s risky behavior. Once that’s acknowledged, then the next tip—to turn off your phone—is more valuable.
While cell phones aren’t the only distraction, they’re a major issue for many drivers. To truly avoid that distraction, you need to render the phone incapable of stealing your attention. Turning it off or placing it in the glove compartment on silent can help you put it out of your mind. In turn, you can pay better attention to the road.
Talk to an Experienced Texas Personal Injury Attorney After a Crash
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you need legal help to protect your rights. At The Fell Law Firm, our skilled lawyers can answer your questions about distracted driving and the law. Call our offices today at 972-450-1418 to schedule a free initial consultation.
