Louisiana Distracted Driving Statistics: States With Highest Distracted Driving Death Rates
At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, our Louisiana distracted driving lawyers understand that distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents in the United States. This is why our law firm believes it’s our duty to create awareness and promote safe driving practices.
Distracted driving is a serious issue that affects everyone on the road. Distracted driving statistics speak for themselves, according to a recent study done by MoneyGeek, Louisiana has been identified as 1 out of 5 states with the highest number of distracted driving deaths in 2020.
When it comes to distracted driving statistics, the states with the highest rate of deaths from distracted drivers deaths in 2020 were:
- New Mexico
- Louisiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Hawaii
The good news is that at our law firm, we help people who get harmed by the carelessness of others. To find out more, contact a distracted driving accident attorney at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys today for a FREE consultation.
Distracted Driving: What Is It?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving refers to any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the task of driving. This includes
- texting,
- using a cellphone,
- eating,
- applying makeup,
- & more.
Distracted driving has become a major problem in recent years, as more and more people rely on technology and are constantly connected to their devices.
Louisiana Distracted Driving Laws
In Louisiana, it’s illegal to use a handheld device while driving, according to La. R.S. 32:300.5. The state has a distracted driving law that prohibits drivers from doing things such as:
- Texting while driving
- Reading, writing, or sending any type of text-based communication while driving
- Accessing the internet or using social media while driving
- Watching videos or using any type of video-based communication device while driving
Drivers who are caught violating Louisiana distracted driving law may face fines and penalties, which can include points on their driving record, license suspension, and even jail time if they cause an accident resulting in injury or death.
In other words, this is why it’s important for drivers to always prioritize safety and avoid any type of distraction while operating a vehicle. By doing this, we can help minimize the extremely concerning distracted driving statistics in Louisiana.
The Impact of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can have severe consequences, not only for the driver but also for passengers and other road users.
When a driver is distracted, their reaction time is reduced, making it harder for them to respond to unexpected situations on the road. This increases the likelihood of accidents and can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
Steps to Prevent Distracted Driving
Preventing distracted driving starts with awareness and education. It’s essential for drivers to understand the risks associated with distracted driving and the impact it can have on themselves and others. Here are some tips to help prevent distracted driving:
- Put your phone away while driving. If you need to use your phone, pull over to a safe location.
- Avoid eating, drinking, or applying makeup while driving.
- Secure loose items in your vehicle, so they do not become a distraction.
- Make sure you are well-rested before driving, as fatigue can also be a distraction.
- Always wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers in your vehicle do the same.
Help Raise Awareness about Distracted Driving with Gordon Mckernan Injury Attorneys
Distracted driving is a serious problem that affects everyone on the road. As mentioned, Louisiana has been identified as one of the states with the highest number of distracted driving fatalities.
As a community, we must work together to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and take steps to prevent it. By following the tips outlined above, we can all do our part to make the roads safer for everyone!
Act Now on Your Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Claim
If you were involved in a distracted driving car accident due to the negligence of someone else, you may be entitled to compensation. However, the prescription period, also known as the statute of limitations, establishes the cutoff for filing a personal injury claim.
Generally, under CC Art. 3492, the time frame is one year from the date of the accident or when the victim first becomes aware of their injury. However, certain exceptions apply to cases concerning faulty products or medical malpractice claims.
If you contact one of our 10 locations, we can discuss the deadline for your case. In the event that you choose to work with our team, a distracted driving accident attorney will take all necessary measures to ensure that your lawsuit is filed in a timely manner.
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