Distracted driving is dangerous. It is a major problem on our roads. According to government statistics, it claimed more than 3,000 lives in 2014.
Research shows that drivers are simply not paying attention to the road.They might be texting, they might be eating, they might be grooming, but whatever they are doing, they are not focusing on the road. And this is deadly.
Who does this impact?
While everyone on the road is impacted by this trend, motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable, and there been a spike in fatalities for riders in recent years. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, in 2015, 4,976 peopled died in motorcycle crashes. This was an 8.3 percent increase from the previous year — 4,594 fatalities in 2014.
Is a helmet enough?
The motorcyclist lobby has sought to address motorcyclist safety since the 80’s, and have been quite successful. However, this new rise in deaths does not appear to be a result of motorcyclists lowering their bar of safety. It appears to be a result of distracted driver’s failing to pay attention to the road leaving the motorcyclists vulnerable.
This is the opinion of the legislators who are now discussing a new law in which motorcyclists will be required to wear helmets in order to protect them from distracted drivers.
Why are distracted drivers a threat to motorcyclists?
When a driver is texting, their eyes are not on the road for an average of five seconds, during which time, if they are driving 55 mph, they drive the length of a footfall field. If a driver does this while sharing the road with a motorcyclist and they collide, due to the sheer size difference of vehicles, the motorcyclist is less likely to be the one who will not walk way.
If you or your loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, you know firsthand what pain this level of irresponsibility causes. If you have questions, or are interested in seeking compensation through damages to help pay for medical bills, you should contact a lawyer to discuss your particular legal issue.
