One Text or Call Could Wreck It All in 2022

In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants you to know that One Text or Call Could Wreck It All. Even Though most people know that distracted driving is really dangerous, there are still so many people out there texting and using their phones behind the wheel. Nobody thinks a distracted driving related accident will happen to them. They might only glance for a quick moment to read a text or check their social media, but they’re putting their safety and the safety of others at great risk with those behaviors.  

According to the NHTSA, in 2018, there were 2,841 people killed in crashes involving distracted drivers. There were also 400,000 people injured in distracted driving crashes that year. In 2019, there were 3,142 people killed in crashes involving distracted driving.  

Distracted Driving is Incredibly Dangerous  

While it may only seem like a second that you’re glancing away from the road, it actually takes about five seconds to read a text. At 55 miles per hour, that’s the equivalent of driving the length of a football field blindfolded. You would never close your eyes for that long behind the wheel. It’s not safe.  

Teen drivers are particularly susceptible to engaging in distracted driving, so there will be targeted public safety campaigns geared directly to raising awareness about distracted driving in teens later this year. Distracted driving is bad enough by itself, but cell phone use coupled with driver inexperience is a downright deadly combination.  

Distracted Driving Accidents Are Preventable  

Thankfully, crashes caused by distracted driving are completely preventable. This year, make sure to take the pledge and make a commitment to drive phone-free. The NHTSA recommends protecting lives by never texting or talking on the phone while driving. Additionally, they’re encouraging passengers to speak out if the driver in their car is distracted. Finally, encourage your friends and family to drive phone-free too. You could save lives.  

If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a distracted driver in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact the skilled and proven team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.