Should it be harder for someone to get a driving license? Should drivers be forced to take another driving test periodically in order to keep their license? A case could be made for either proposition. While some accidents are caused by factors beyond a driver’s control, 90% of vehicular accidents worldwide are caused by driver error. When more than one vehicle is involved, one driver is often to blame for the accident.
Cell Phone Use
• Texting increases the risk of an accident 23.2 times. In Alabama, as is true in many states, texting while driving is prohibited. All cell phone use is dangerous, dramatically increasing the chances of an accident. Researchers found that at any one time as many as 10% of all drivers are using a cell phone. As today’s teens become old enough to drive, it is expected that the number of texting-related accidents will increase.
• Talking on a phone while driving increases the risk of an accident 1.3 times.
• Dialing a cell phone increases the risk of an accident 2.8 times.
Probably most drivers have been guilty of distracted driving. Teens, however, have 4 times the risk of being in an accident caused by distracted driving. While they have faster reflexes than many older drivers, they lack experience. Many teens also fall prone to a feeling of invulnerability, believing that nothing bad could happen to them.
All forms of distracted driving put the driver, passengers and others at risk of life-changing injury or death. Some of the most common distractions include:
• Drowsiness or falling asleep at the wheel
• Turning around to talk to someone or grab something
• Changing the radio station or looking for a CD
• Eating or drinking
• Smoking or dropping a lit cigarette
• Talking to passengers
• Reading a book or map
• Applying makeup
• Running red lights
Those who deal with the horrendous after-effects of distracted driving accidents are often the first to recommend defensive driving classes to all drivers. Be extremely vigilant and aware of all other drivers and, of course, avoid distracted driving yourself.
When you’ve been in a vehicle accident that wasn’t your fault, you will find the legal help that you need at the Law Offices of Gene T. Moore, P.C. For more than 20 years, Gene T. Moore has been assisting his Alabama clients to receive fair compensation. Click Here for a free consultation.
