New York residents share the road with all sorts of people. Likewise, any number of these people may be engaging in distracted driving behaviors. Whether it’s a busy salaryman, a student trying to get to class, or anyone in between, the results can be devastating.
The Federal Communications Commission categorizes distracted driving as risky driving behavior, but it can also be deadly. Any sort of distracted driving can come along with such risks, but texting is considered particularly problematic due to how common it is. Around 660,000 drivers every single day use their handheld devices at some point while behind the wheel. Considering a car on the freeway can travel the length of a football distance in 3 seconds, this is a lot of potential time in which many people aren’t looking at the road.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, meanwhile, takes a look at the number of lives impacted by texting while driving. Almost 3,500 lives were lost specifically due to distracted driving in 2016 alone. The number of non-fatal injuries ranging from mild to serious is even higher. The medical expenses can be radical. Property damage is also something to consider, as even a crash that doesn’t result in injury can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars in car damages.
Anyone who has been involved in a crash with a distracted driver may have the option of seeking compensation. Contacting a legal professional may be a good place to start, as they can help those struggling through the post-crash recovery period by handling complex legal matters.