The potential risks of distracted driving

On Behalf of | Dec 7, 2020 | Blog, Car Accident, Personal Injury |

Distracted driving has become increasingly prevalent in Florida and throughout the country. As a general rule, anything that takes your focus off of the road can be classified as a distraction. Let’s look at some of the dangers associated with driving while eating, drinking or using a cellphone.

You increase your risk of getting into an accident

Taking your hands off of the steering wheel can make it harder to avoid an animal, pedestrian or object in the road. If you’re looking at your phone, you might not notice that the car in front of yours has stopped until it’s too late. Distracted drivers accounted for 18% of crashes that resulted in injuries in 2012, and they were also responsible for 10% of all fatal crashes that occurred in that same year according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Handling a cellphone is illegal

In the state of Florida, you must use a hands-free device to make phone calls or otherwise make use of a cellphone while driving. A police officer may give you a ticket for failing to comply with this rule.

Your insurance rates could increase

There is a good chance that your auto insurance rates will increase if you’re involved in an accident. The same might be true if you’re cited for using a cellphone or for engaging in other reckless activities.

Your license could be suspended

If you receive 12 or more points on your license, there is a chance that it could be suspended. You can be given up to three points for careless driving, speeding or driving too fast for road conditions. Additionally, you can get up to four points for reckless driving or disobeying a traffic signal.

If you’re involved in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, you might be entitled to compensation. A personal injury attorney may be able to help you obtain a financial award to help pay for medical bills or other damages incurred because of another person’s reckless behavior.

Archives

FindLaw Network

Client Testimonials

Simply the BEST representation available in Brevard County
~ Carol

Client Testimonials

Expert, Professional, Courteous, and above all else…Relentless
~ Wendell

Client Testimonials

An attorney who will fight for you.
~ Jacqueline

Client Testimonials

By far the Best Around
~ Jamie