According to the Arkansas State Police and Highway Safety Office, there were 60,947 total crashes reported in 2014, an increase from 2013. There were 436 fatalities reported the same year. Though this represents a decrease from the 2013 statistics, the number of alcohol and drug related fatalities increased by 1.5 percent. The State of Arkansas consistently has higher car accident rates than the rest of the country, with an estimated rate of about one car accident every 8 minutes. These accidents result from a variety of causes, but some are known to be much bigger contributors than others, with distracted driving taking first place.
If you or a loved one has been injured in car accident, don’t hesitate to seek help from an attorney. Fayetteville, AR car accident attorney Ken Kieklak represents car accident victims throughout the Fayetteville area. The Kieklak Law Firm is committed to delivering aggressive advocacy and ensuring that negligent third parties are held accountable. To get the compensation you deserve for your injuries, call (479) 316-0438 today and schedule your free, confidential consultation.
Distracted Driving Car Accidents in Arkansas
In almost every state, the leading cause of car accidents is distracted driving. Arkansas is no exception, with a whopping 80 percent of all crash reports listing driver distraction as a contributing cause. Many of us have probably been guilty of distracted driving, and might even be guilty of it on a daily basis. Anything that diverts your attention from driving can fall into this category, from talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to other passengers in the car, adjusting the stereo and using a navigation system.
You may have guessed that the biggest offender when it comes to distracted driving is texting. Sending and reading a text generally take your eyes off the road for a minimum of 5 seconds. If you’re traveling down a highway doing 60 miles per hour, that’s the equivalent of driving down a football field with your eyes closed. Without giving driving your full attention, it is impossible to truly drive safely. Even planning a to-do list in your head or reading a map can cause you to lose focus. Any non-driving activities (even those that are seemingly innocent) pose the risks of distraction and crashing. Speeding, drunk driving and adverse weather also make up a large percentage of car accident causes and distracted driving if often associated with all of them.
Consequences of Distracted Driving in Arkansas
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2015 alone, 3,477 people were killed and 391,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. This essentially means that paying insufficient attention while driving is a bigger threat to public safety than drugs, alcohol, speeding, and all other forms of negligent driving. Approximately 660,000 drivers are using their cell phones while driving during daylight hours. That creates enormous potential for deaths and injuries on U.S. roads. Back injuries, whiplash, broken bones, bruises, traumatic brain injuries, emotional distress and death are just some of the potential ramifications of distracted driving.
Tips for Preventing Distracted Driving Accidents in Arkansas
It is tragic to think that nearly 80 percent of car accidents in Arkansas could have been avoided had common sense and caution been utilized. The following are some tips to keep in mind the next time you’re behind the road to prevent distracted driving:
- Don’t multi-task in the car. Driving might seem like a good time to fix your makeup, look for new music or call a friend, but it’s essential to get these tasks done outside the car.
- If you are drowsy, pull off the road. A 30-minute power nap can help restore your focus for a short distance.
- Use your cell phone for emergency situations only. A hands-free GPS system provides the same directions without taking your eyes off the road.
- Avoid eating while driving. Finishing breakfast in the car might seem like a time-saver, but it makes you less attentive to the drivers around you. There is also the risk of spilling food or drink items and causing a major distraction.
- Limit the number of passengers in the car. Driving with friends is a danger to new and teenage drivers especially, as they tend to focus on their friends rather than the road.
Contact an Experienced Arkansas Personal Injury Attorney
Car accidents, especially preventable ones, are devastating to all parties involved. Those who have been injured by a distracted driver should seek representation from a Fayetteville AR personal injury lawyer with experience in auto accidents. No matter the cause of your accident, if you have been injured by the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one have been injured, contact Arkansas personal injury attorney Ken Kieklak. Do not accept any settlement offers from other drivers or insurance companies before talking with an attorney about the value of your case. To work with one of our Fayetteville personal injury attorneys, call (479) 316-0438 today to schedule your free, confidential consultation.