Distracted Driving Kills

Americans are hooked on technology. We anxiously anticipate the arrival of the newest I-Phone or other gadget with the latest bells and whistles. But like anything else, when not used wisely, the best piece of technology can be dangerous.

Arkansas law is very clear. Texting and driving is strictly prohibited in all circumstances. You would have to be living under the proverbial rock not to see or hear the many public service announcements that are broadcast regularly in the state that talk about the dangers of texting and driving.

Consider these statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

• 9 Americans are killed every day from motor vehicle accidents that involve distracted driving such as texting.
• 33% of drivers between the ages of 18 and 64 admit to reading or writing text messages while driving.
• In 2013, there were approximately 341,000 motor vehicle crashes that involved texting.
• On average, texting drivers take their eyes off the road for 5 seconds.
• Those people who are ages 21 to 24 represent the group most likely to send a text while driving.

These are sobering numbers that make up a recipe for tragedy. Texting and driving is against the law, and it can kill.

At Oliver Law Firm, we work on cases every day where preventable incidents occur. None are more preventable than texting and driving.

Before you drive, silence your phone and put it away in a place where you won’t be tempted to check it while you’re driving.

Know this: When you text and drive, you are making the conscious choice to risk your life and lives of others.