Distracted driving is a growing threat to public safety all over the United States. In fact, it was responsible for 2,841 traffic fatalities and an estimated 400,000 injuries nationwide in 2018.
Distracted driving seems to be a bigger problem in some areas than others. Some other states have a complete handheld ban, which prohibits all uses of cellphones while driving. In Ohio, there is a texting and driving ban for all drivers which is enforced as a primary law. The handheld ban only applies to drivers under the age of 18.
Cleveland ranks No. 16 for worst metro area for distracted driving
A recent study conducted by The Zebra ranked 25 metro areas on how often survey participants sent text messages, read cellphone notifications, adjusted radios, checked social media or engaged in other forms of distraction.
Each metro area was given a score between zero and 100 based on the average survey results. New York ranked the worst metro area for distracted driving with a score of 43.7. The Seattle-Tacoma, Washington area ranked the best with a score of 29.5. The Cleveland-Akron area ranked No. 16 with a score of 33.8.
The study also found that texting was the leading cause of distracted driving, with the majority of participants admitting to it. Not all forms of distraction involved cellphones.
Other forms of distracted driving participants admitted to include:
- Changing clothes while driving (26.8%)
- Applying makeup or deodorant (15.2%)
- Engaging in sexual activity (14.9%)
- Hitting a passenger while driving (12.4%)
Why is distracted driving so dangerous?
When drivers take their eyes off the road, they often don’t allow themselves enough time and distance to react to an impending crash. By the time they realize it’s time to hit the brakes or swerve out of the way, it’s too late. In some cases, distracted driving crashes happen at full speed because drivers fail to make any attempt to stop.
Drivers who take their hands off the wheel, even with their eyes on the road, could easily lose control, veer into another lane, veer off the road, or hit another driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist.
Why hire an attorney after a distracted driving crash?
Having the right attorney on your side is critical when pursuing a car accident claim. You need someone who can launch a thorough investigation into your distracted driving crash. That includes obtaining a subpoena for cellphone records, obtaining a police report, speaking to witnesses, and examining the scene of the crash.
If you were hurt in a crash, you shouldn’t have to pay for your losses out of your own pocket. The Ohio attorneys at Merriman Legal, LLC can help you get the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery. We serve clients in Cleveland and throughout Ohio. Contact us online to schedule your free legal consultation.
