Death by Distracted Driving: An Underreported Problem in Texas
Your Reaction Times Increase Dramatically when You Drive Distracted
A new study from the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University is the first of its kind. Instead of using simulators, the study tested driver in actual vehicles on actual driving courses. The study found that drivers’ reaction times were doubled while they were reading or sending test messages while driving. Many of them missed the flashing warning lights used in the study altogether.
Contact the Dedicated Texas Truck Crash Lawyers at Denena Points, PC if You’ve lost a Loved One to a Tragic Collision
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Distracted Driving is a Deadly Disorder
The U.S. CDC says that each day 15 people die and 1,200 receive injuries in motor vehicle accidents reported to involve distracted driving. And our Texas truck crash lawyers note that distracted driving is underreported as the cause of crashes because, after the fact, accident investigators are often unable to tell that a driver was distracted at the time of the crash. Unless a witness to the crash can tell investigators about the distracted driving, they have no way to know.
Texas experienced 81,103 crashes linked to distracted driving in 2011. 361 of these crashes were fatal accidents.
Fatal North Zulch Truck Collision Blamed on Distracted Driving
In North Zulch, Texas on Friday afternoon, a commercial box plumbing truck from Delta Mechanical rear-ended a stopped 18-wheeler that had its emergency flashers on. The driver of the 18-wheeler says he noticed that the box truck coming up behind him didn’t look like it was going to stop and that the driver had his head looking downward.
At the last second, the box truck driver, 59-year-old Jack Ernest LeCroy, reportedly looked up but it was too late. He died when the box truck’s cab crumpled in upon him in the wreck. Accident investigation showed no braking marks to indicate that the box truck had tried to stop. (Source: Clay Falls and Mike George, KBTX, 12/1/12) The sincere sympathies of our Texas truck crash lawyers go out to the family and friends of Mr. LeCroy, the victim of this tragic accident.
Arrive at Your Destination Safely: Avoid Distractions while Driving
This accident in North Zulch provides a tragic example of what can happen when you drive distracted. Even if you notice an impending collision, you may not have time to react to prevent it. Be safe; don’t use handheld devices while you drive. And try to avoid other distractions and keep your attention on the road. Driving conditions can change at any time. Unforeseen obstacles can show up suddenly in your path. And our Texas truck crash lawyers understand that other drivers can make inexplicable moves that could cause a crash. You need to be alert to avoid these hazards.