On Jimmy Kimmel Live, Tessa Thompson, recently revealed that she got into a car accident with a “big monster truck” while traveling to a cabin to celebrate New Year's Eve. “I drove up a mountain to go to a cabin, and I thought, 'This will be totally safe because I won't see anybody,'” the Westworld actress said. “But I got into a car accident, so I did have a socially distanced interaction.” Thompson said the accident occurred on the highway, but “I'm safe, obviously, and actually, the driver was very lovely in the end.”
Distracted driving on the rise
Across the US, car accidents caused by distracted driving are on the rise. Out of the 86,000 road collisions that occurred last year, 27% of all drivers were using their cell phones within 60 seconds of crashing. Crash rates were highest during lockdown months, and typically involved distracted driving like texting behind the wheel, despite being illegal in 41 states. Distracted driving became increasingly prevalent as the year progressed and roads became increasingly busier.
Safety strategies
Unfortunately, little is being done to improve road safety, despite a number of proven strategies existing to encourage drivers to stay off their devices while driving. Firstly, federal safety agencies could require all cars or cell phones to contain cell phone blocking technology. When a vehicle’s in motion, this technology renders most functions unusable, and blocks incoming calls and texts. Some safety advocates are even calling for all cell phone usage while driving to be banned nationwide. Car manufacturers can also play a part by making vehicles without integrated bluetooth, which encourages cell phone use. However, since we all need cars and cellphones to live and work, it may not be possible to completely eradicate distracted driving with these solutions.
Staying safe on the road
Drivers should always take steps to remain alert and stay safe while driving, advises Lopez Law. Avoid distractions like playing loud music or using a cell phone behind the wheel. On longer drives, it’s essential to take regular rest breaks to avoid fatigue. Nevertheless, road accidents can still occur. In this case, it’s important to consult auto accident lawyers for legal protection. Experienced lawyers can help injured parties win competition to cover expenses (including property damage, lost income, and emotional pain and suffering).
Road collisions are an increasing problem in the US. It’s important drivers remain vigilant and avoid distracted driving to keep as safe as possible... as Thompson's New Year's Eve experience illustrates, accidents can happen to any of us.
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