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Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law
Serving Northwest Louisiana for Over 20 Years 318-633-0186
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Distracted Driver Accidents

The Alarming Impact of Distracted Driving

At the Law Office of Ryan E. Gatti, we receive calls daily from individuals seeking legal help after being injured in car accidents. Overwhelmingly, of the last 100 calls we received, 89 involved accidents caused by distracted drivers, many of whom were texting or using social media. One of the most severe cases we encountered involved a commercial truck driver who was watching a Pokémon movie at the time of the crash. The victim in the other vehicle sustained a traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures, underscoring the devastating consequences of distracted driving.

Drunk driving also remains a significant issue, often leading to some of the most violent crashes. These incidents frequently result from drivers running red lights or crossing the center line while intoxicated. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, 11,654 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for 30% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. Every day, about 32 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes, that's one person every 45 minutes.

Furthermore, the NHTSA reported an estimated 289,310 people were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2022. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that nine people are killed every day in the United States in crashes involving a distracted driver. The statistics are staggering and highlight the urgent need for greater awareness and preventive measures to eliminate distracted and drunk driving.

Identifying solutions to combat distracted driving is crucial in decreasing the amount of those injured in preventable accidents. Here are some tips to staying focused while driving:

  • Put Your Phone Away: Before you begin driving, put your phone on silent or on the “Do Not Disturb” feature. This will keep from notifications distracting you while driving.
  • Set Up Navigation Beforehand: Program your GPS or navigation system before you start driving. If you need to make adjustments while on the road, pull over safely to do so.
  • Use Hands-Free Devices: If you must make or receive calls, use hands-free devices such as Bluetooth headsets or the car’s built-in hands-free system. However, remember that even hands-free calls can be distracting.
  • Take Breaks: If you’re on a long trip, take regular breaks to rest. Fatigue can increase the likelihood of distractions. Use rest stops to stretch, eat, and refresh yourself.
  • Limit Passenger Distractions: Keep conversations with passengers light while driving. If you’re traveling with children or pets, make sure they are securely fastened and have everything they need to minimize distractions.

At our firm, we are committed to providing top-notch legal representation to victims of such accidents, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been affected by a distracted or drunk driver, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert legal support. Together, we can work towards safer roads and a more safe driving community.

The link below provides information on how to stay focused while behind the wheel. Click to read more on how to set your iPhone to Driving Focus, which can turn on automatically when you’re in a moving car:

Driving Focus on iPhone Link

NHTSA Distracted Driving

NHTSA Distracted Driving Campaign

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