Distracted driving kills, plain and simple. One of the most distracting activities a driver can engage in is texting. Any activity which takes a driver’s attention away from operating the vehicle falls under distracted driving. That includes hands-free cell phone use. Ohio is one of only six states in the country which have absolutely no restrictions on texting or cellphone use while driving. According to the Ohio State Patrol, from 2009 to 2011 there were 31,231 crashes caused by distracted driving, of which 74 were fatal and 7,825 caused injuries. If you have been injured by a distracted driver, please talk to a Cincinnati car accident attorney today.
Cellphone Use and Texting
Studies have found that talking on a cellphone, even hands-free, causes impairment equal to a blood alcohol level which is over the legal limit. According to Distraction.gov, “Sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent, at 55 mph, of driving the length of an entire football field, blind.”
Other Distractions
Any kind of distraction is dangerous and can cause an accident. Other common distractions include:
- Eating or drinking
- Personal grooming
- Reaching for items in the floorboard or back seat
- Tending to children
- Reading a map
- GPS use
- Other reading
- Watching a video
- Adjusting the stereo
- Looking at scenery
- Rubbernecking
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident in the Greater Cincinnati area, please call Cincinnati car accident attorney Anthony Castelli or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation with our car accident attorney is free, and if we agree to represent you, we will work for a contingent fee, which means we won’t get paid for our services unless you receive a settlement or an award. In Ohio, a car accident lawsuit must be filed before the expiration of the statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.