Information and resources about Addison distracted driving accidents

Comprehensive Information and Legal Options for Addison, TX Distracted Driving Accident Victims

Collisions caused by distracted drivers are a common kind of crash in Addison and Dallas County

These shocking statistics show how common distracted driving accidents are in Addison and across Dallas County. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2016 there were 16 fatalities and a total of 7081 crashes caused by distracted drivers in Dallas County alone. Statewide, there were 455 fatalities from crashes involving distracted drivers that year. These are staggering numbers to contemplate, and the economic cost to the crash victims, and to the government agencies responsible for responding to these collisions, runs in the billions of dollars per year.

What is the cost of car crashes to the government agencies in Addison, Dallas County, and across Texas?

According to the State of Texas Department of Transportation, the cost of motor vehicle accidents statewide was $38,600,000,000 in 2016. This is a staggering amount when you consider that in comparison, the annual cost to end world hunger is estimated to be $30,000,000,000. In this context, it is easy to see why city, county, and state government agencies work hard to improve safety and to reduce dangers on Addison roadways. Sadly, they still have a long way to go.

What are some of the driving behaviors that cause Addison distracted driving accidents?

Recent statistics show clearly what we have always known - that drunk driving and distracted driving are two main causes of Frisco car accidents, injuries, and fatalities. The most common distracted driving behaviors are:

• Cell phones;
• Stereos and music players;
• Eating and drinking;
• Passengers;
• A dog or pet in the vehicle.

Teens have a greater risk of injury and death from distracted driving collisions 

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted video analysis in which researchers analyzed the six seconds leading up to a crash in nearly 1,700 videos of teen drivers. The study found that distraction was a factor in nearly 6 out of 10 moderate-to-severe teen crashes, which is four times as many as official estimates based on police reports. Clearly, teens are more likely to engage in dangerous driving behaviors like distracted driving in Addison and Dallas County.

What is being done to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities caused by distracted drivers in Addison and across Texas?

Recently, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a state-wide texting while driving ban in Texas. While texting is just one form of distracted driving, this ban will certainly go far to reduce the number of injuries and deaths caused by distracted drivers in Addison.

Also, the Texas Department of Transportation runs an annual campaign called Talk, Text, Crash, which focuses on ending distracted driving by educating all Texans about the danger it poses. They offer these simple tips to end distracted driving:

• Always give driving your full attention.
• Put your phone away—or turn it off—before you get behind the wheel.
• Pull off the road to a safe location before talking on the phone or texting.
• Tell friends, family, and coworkers you won’t respond to calls or texts when driving.
• Use a smartphone app that sends auto-reply texts when you’re behind the wheel.
• Spread the word. Tell your friends and family about the dangers of distracted driving.

If you have been injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, you will need a great Addison accident attorney to help

No matter how much we eradicate dangerous driving behaviors like drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, and other actions that put Addison drivers at risk, car accidents will continue to happen. When a serious injury car accident happens, or when a fatality occurs, it is crucial to get help from an experienced Mullen and Mullen Law Office attorney.