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Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Lauderdale Lakes a Threat through Spring Break

Students throughout the state of Florida may get to experience Spring Break-like weather year round, but the truth of the matter is that the real Spring Break is quickly approaching. With this annual rite of youthful journey comes risks for serious car accidents in North Lauderdale and elsewhere throughout the state.

To help reduce these risks, Distraction.gov has stepped in and is pushing for teens and residents to make the pledge to drive distraction free! It’s a small step to take toward safer roadways, but make no mistake that it’s a helpful and useful one. As a matter of fact, teen drivers are at higher risks for distraction-related car accidents than any other age group of drivers.

Our North Lauderdale car accident lawyers understand that there were nearly 5,745 people across the U.S. who were killed in 2009 in car accidents that involved a distracted driver. More than 15 percent of all fatal accidents recorded during the year involved a distracted driver. That’s more than 15 percent of accidents that didn’t have to happen. In addition to these fatalities, there were 448,000 injured in the same kinds of accidents. These accounted for a fourth of all injury accidents.

Just how serious is the problem? Consider this: There were nearly 200 billion text messages sent/received in the United States in July 2011. That’s about 50 percent more than the number texts sent/received in June 2009. If that’s any indication, as the number of messages increase so do our risks for accidents.

More specifically, teens are more likely than any other drivers to be involved in a fatal distraction-related car accident. In 2009, more than 15 percent of teen drivers who were involved in a fatal accident were reportedly distracted at the time of the accident.

We know teems are driving while distracted. As a matter of fact, about 40 percent of teens admit to riding in a car with a driver who uses a cell phone. This is not only endangering these drivers, but it’s endangering their passengers and other motorists on the roadway, too!

Drivers using a cell phone behind the wheel are 4 times more likely to get into an accident. Text messaging drivers are nearly 25 percent more likely to get into an accident.

Using a cell phone while driving:

-Reduces the amount of brain activity that is associated with driving by about 40 percent.

-Gives a driver the same reaction abilities as a driver who is legally drunk.

Talk with your teen before they hit the road for Spring Break. Your talk can help prevent a potentially fatal car accident. Make sure your teen takes the pledge to be a phone-free driver!

If you or your teen driver has been injured in a car accident in North Lauderdale, Miami or elsewhere in South Florida, the South Florida personal injury lawyers at Freeman & Mallard can help you understand your rights and are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 1-800-529-2368 to schedule a free and confidential to review of your case.

More Blog Entries:

Family Speaks Up about Lasting Consequences of Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Port St. Lucie, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, February 25, 2012

Dangerous Intersections Causing Miami Car Accidents, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, February 23, 2012

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