Distracted Driving Awareness Month
At Cavallo & Cavallo, we are your neighborhood law firm, and our top priority is protecting your assets and interests. Guarding your investments and guiding you in sound estate planning is our main goal, and we are always on the lookout for circumstances and situations which could put your financial future at risk. Your safety is important to us, and in honor of the fact that April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we have assembled the following information which could help to protect you and your loved ones. Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents and injuries in the United States, and it is important for all drivers to be aware of the ways in which to avoid these types of accidents.
Facts About Distracted Driving
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that as many as eight people are killed and more than 1,000 injured each day in the United States as the result of distracted driving. One in five motor vehicle accidents are linked to distracted driving behavior, and drivers under the age of 20 are most at risk for being involved in fatal distracted driving accidents. While cell phones and texting are the most common culprits, engaging in any activity that diverts your attention for even a few seconds can end up causing an accident to occur. According to the CDC, there are three main types of distractions drivers face:
- Visual distractions, or activities that cause you to take your eyes off the road;
- Manual distractions, or activities which result in removing your hands from the steering wheel; and
- Cognitive distractions, where thoughts are diverted from the task at hand and conditions which may lie ahead.
Preventing Distracted Driving Accidents
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee advises all New Yorkers to play it safe by avoiding distracted driving behaviors such as the following:
- Eating or drinking while driving;
- Adjusting GPS setting or changing radio stations;
- Turning to speak with passengers or searching for items located in the back seat; or
- Using cell phones, texting or checking messages, and taking photos while behind the wheel.
New York prohibits all drivers from using hand held electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle, and penalties for doing so can range from fines to suspension of your driving privileges. In light of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, law enforcement will be on increased lookout for those using such devices, and urges all drivers to be aware of the dangers and to encourage others to keep their attention on the road. Visit the National Safety Council (NSC) for a variety of tools and resources to help raise awareness, including posters, videos, and infographics which can be shared on social media.
Let Us Assist You Today
At Cavallo & Cavallo, we are always looking out for ways to protect you, your loved ones, and your interests. If you or someone you care about is injured in an accident, contact our experienced New York personal injury attorneys today. We are your neighborhood law firm, here to provide trusted, professional legal representation for all of your needs.
