Distracted Driving Is Alive and Well In Louisiana

Recent car accident statistics continue to show that more than 20 percent, one in five, of traffic accidents resulting in injuries were reported as involving distracted driving. Twenty percent, in hard figures, means 5,474 people killed and 448,000 injured in distraction-related crashes.

Why is distracted driving still a major cause of car crashes in Louisiana?

When you drive a vehicle, there are three forms of distraction that can affect your driving ability:

Visual distraction: Your eyes are off the road.
Manual distraction: Your hands are not on the steering wheel.
Cognitive distraction: Your mind doesn't focus on driving any more.

You just got into the car with a steaming hot cup of coffee in your hand and, trying to maneuver out of the parking lot your cell phone starts ringing; what is likely to happen? Spilled coffee burning your knees and a knocked over cyclist you never saw coming might be one answer.

Of all the sources of distraction, and there are many, none are more dangerous than the ones that keep, at the same time, your eyes, your hands and your mind off your driving; distractions like:

• Texting, or reading and sending emails on a cell phone;
• Trying to navigate all the functionalities of your smart phone;
• Searching or putting a destination into the (GPS) navigation system;
• Eating and drinking;
• Applying make-up;
• Searching for a phone, towel, medication, glasses, etc. in the glove compartment or a handbag;
• Grooming kids and keeping the Dalmatian dog under control.

In Louisiana, several laws attempt to curb the use of phones while driving:

• A ban on handheld devices for drivers with a learner's permit or intermediate license. This ban is irrespective of the driver's age;
• A ban on all cell phone use for bus drivers and for novice drivers, whether handheld or hands-free;
• A ban on texting for all drivers.

Don't allow a simple distraction to ruin your or anyone else's life. Focus on your driving.

If you have been hurt in a car accident caused by someone else, contact the New Orleans accident attorneys of the Young Firm for a FREE discussion of your case. Order now our FREE lawyer book "A Guide To Steering Through a Serious Vehicle Accident in Louisiana."