Distracted driving has become an epidemic, according to the Ohio State University Risk Institute. In order to reduce distracted driving and create a safer driving environment, the Institute has begun an initiative designed to coordinate the efforts of dozens of companies, governmental bodies and Institute researchers. The purpose of the newly launched initiative is to create actionable change that will reduce the number of injuries and fatalities caused by distracted driving.
According to a recent news report, distracted driving crashes in America account for at least nine deaths and 100 injuries per day. Common distractions include the use of cell phones, voice commands and dashboard touchscreens. The National Safety Council says that such actions pose a threat to highway safety. The nonprofit group sponsors a Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April of each year in order to bring attention to the problem.
The Risk Institute is looking at ways to combat the risky actions of some drivers, including such things as good driver discounts on insurance premiums. Other studies are examining how cities design and construct roadways. For instance, it has been determined that the location of a road, the number of lanes the road has and the length of its segments may play a part in distracted driving. Additionally, distracted driving crashes seem to be higher on roadways that have no median or paved shoulder.
When a person is injured in a car accident, it may be possible to collect damages by filing a personal injury lawsuit. This is especially true if it can be shown that the driver who caused the accident was distracted at the time of the crash. However, in order to prove such allegations, it might be necessary to enlist the services of a law firm with experience in car accidents and personal injury lawsuits.