Distracted Driving Don’t Risk It

Hello Friend, Attorney Paul Samakow here.

Today we’re going to talk about one of the most pointless, unnecessary, all too common and completely devastating reasons for car accidents—distracted driving.  Every day, all day long, my team and I speak and meet with clients who have been badly injured due to the negligent behavior of a distracted driver.  

And although we hear these stories time and again, they are always tragic, partly because they should have never happened in the first place. 

Stories like: 

“He was texting a friend.  He wasn’t even looking at the road. And he plowed into us.  Now my wife’s leg is badly broken, she’s in terrible pain and her doctor says she’ll likely need at least two more surgeries and a year to recover before she’ll be able to properly walk again. “

OR

“He just ran a red light. Can you believe it?  He was reaching for his French fries instead of paying attention to the road and then WHAM!  Next thing I know, my car is in a ditch, and I have an EMT telling me not to move until he gets my neck in traction.  Now my doctor says I’m likely to need surgery.  And why? Because that guy couldn’t wait fifteen minutes to get home before eating his lunch.” 

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that distracted driving is the number one cause of car accidents across the USA.  Distracted driving causes thousands of deaths on roadways each year and a much larger number of severe injuries and pain and suffering for the injured persons in these auto collisions. 

Distracted driving is ANY ACTIVITY that takes your eyes and your attention off the road.  

• Talking on your phone.
• Texting.
• Eating.
• Messing with the radio or GPS.
• Reaching for something in the next seat.
• Having a conversation with someone in the back seat. 

If your mind is on any other task besides driving, you are engaging in distracted driving.  This means your reaction time is slower.  You are less likely to react in time to unexpected situations.  You’ve become a hazard barreling down the road, displaying no real concern for your own safety, the safety of your passengers and the safety of the drivers and pedestrians who cross your path.  

If this sounds harsh, it’s meant to. 

And I hope you remember this the next time you buckle up behind the wheel of a car.  Because if you remember this, and you decide to put your phone in the back seat, or better yet, the trunk; or if you decide to focus on the road instead of the burger you picked up from your favorite fast food restaurant, you may just avoid causing an auto collision that could result in someone calling my office, and telling me their life has been destroyed, because you couldn’t keep your mind on the road on your way home from work.   

If you decide to drive, keep your eyes on the road.  Keep your hands on the wheel.  And keep your mind focused on the road ahead.   If you’re a passenger, and the driver next to you becomes distracted.  Encourage them to focus on their driving.  You may save a life and that life may be your own or that of someone you care about.

Lastly, if you or someone you love is ever involved in an auto collision, I am here for you.  Please call my office immediately 703-854-9288 or 301-298-8383.

Until next time, please be safe, and NEVER text while driving!

Paul Samakow

Attorney Paul Samakow