At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, addressing distracted driving is a priority.  Distracted driving is any activity that diverts a driver’s attention.  This is a leading cause of car crashes in New Jersey and across the U.S. Thanks to the latest findings and campaign from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), we’re leading the charge in educating drivers and providing legal help to combat distracted driving. The NHTSA campaign is “Put the Phone Away or Pay.” 

Understanding Distracted Driving and Its Impact

Despite numerous efforts to mitigate distracted driving, it continues to pose a significant threat on the roads. The statistics from the NHTSA shed light on the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the importance of continuous education and advocacy to combat this issue.

Key Findings from 2022

• Distracted Driving Incidents: Distracted driving was responsible for 8% of fatal crashes, 12% of injury crashes, and 11% of all police-reported motor vehicle traffic crashes.
• Casualties and Injuries: A total of 3,308 people were killed and an estimated 289,310 individuals were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers.
• Age Groups at Higher Risk: Young drivers and the elderly (ages 15-20, 21-24, 25-34, and 75+) were more likely to be distracted at the time of fatal crashes, highlighting the need for targeted educational programs for these demographics.
• Economic and Societal Costs: The economic cost attributed to distracted-driving crashes in 2019 was a staggering $98 billion, underscoring the extensive impact of these incidents beyond the immediate health and safety concerns.

These statistics from 2022 emphasize the critical need for continued action to address distracted driving. Education, advocacy, and legal measures are key to changing driver behavior and reducing the incidence of distracted driving.

Steps to Make Roads Safer

Making our roads safer is something we all need to work on together. Here are some straightforward ways to help:

• Stay Alert: Set up GPS and make calls before you start driving. If you must, use hands-free devices. Do NOT look at your cell, text or scroll.
• Follow the Rules: Speed limits and signals are there for a reason. Following them helps prevent crashes.
• Watch Out for Others: Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists. Everyone has a right to safe roads.
• Talk About It: Sharing information on the risks of distracted driving can make everyone more aware.
• Guide New Drivers: Show the new drivers in your life the importance of paying attention to the road.

By following these tips, we can all contribute to reducing distracted driving and saving lives on New Jersey roads.