Why is Distracted Driving a Growing Problem in Florida?

How big of a problem is driver distraction in Florida?

Experts believe that distracted driving is the leading cause of Florida traffic accidents. However, it is hard to measure driver distraction.

National Occupant Protection Use Survey from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration measures driver distraction by placing trained observers at intersections. These observers look at the occupants of stopped cars and collect data on handheld cell phone use, head set use, texting, and other distractions.

The 2010 National Occupant Protection Use Survey found that the percentage of drivers who were text-messaging, send emails, or otherwise manipulate hand-held electronic devices has increased by fifty percent from 0.6 percent of all drivers in 2009 to 0.9 percent of drivers in 2010. The percentage of drivers using hand-held cellphones held steady at five percent.

Drivers in Southern states like Florida were even more likely to make phone calls or text while behind the wheel. Why? Texting is not illegal in Florida like it is in most Northern states. Driver distraction is a factor in more than one-third of all Florida crashes.

West Palm Beach distracted driving accidents are easily preventable. If you are injured by a distracted driver in Florida, you may recover damages even if the driver was not breaking the law. You may be able to claim compensation for your medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, and lost wages. To learn more, contact West Palm Beach auto accident attorney David Glatthorn at 888-340-2620.