Tennessee motorists who take to the road understand the dangers they face. Although there are many factors that can contribute to an auto accident, one that is rising significantly is distracted driving.
The use of smartphones has added a layer of convenience to everyday life, but it has also made it an irresistible temptation for many drivers to send text messages, read emails, surf the web, use it for navigation and for entertainment.
Those under the impression that it is not a big deal should understand the facts. When there is an accident, people who were hurt should consider the possibility that it was due to distraction.
Distracted driving was a primary cause in many Tennessee road deaths last year
According to the National Road Safety Foundation, of the 1,322 road fatalities in Tennessee in 2022, 22% were because of distracted driving. This is not as bad as the national numbers in which around 30% of fatalities are believed to be due to distraction, but it is still worrisome. Tennessee is one of the worst states in the nation for distracted driving with the highest rate for fatalities – five times the national average.
Distraction is commonly linked to cellphones. This is logical given how many people are using their devices behind the wheel, but there are other ways in which people can be distracted. Simply checking the onboard navigation system most new cars have, interacting with passengers or adjusting the radio can serve as a distraction and lead to accident-causing mistakes.
This is a problem for people in every demographic, but younger drivers are especially vulnerable. Parents are advised to try and educate their teens about it, but that is not always effective.
State lawmakers are debating whether to toughen the penalties for distracted driving with the possibility of points being placed on the driver’s license in addition to the citation. It is focusing on teens since they have the greater propensity to drive distracted.
People injured in a crash should seek help to decide how to proceed
After an auto accident, people who are wondering what the future holds will need to think about seeking assistance.