Distracted driving named cause of Buffalo car accidents

With a population of nearly 270,000 people, Buffalo is the second largest city in New York State, home to thousands of drivers of all ages. If you are one of Buffalo’s many drivers and encounter an accident that just occurred on your way to work, there is a possibility that accident happened because one of the drivers took his/her eyes off the road.

Distracted Driving in Buffalo

Distracted driving is a new, 21st century term used to primarily describe drivers who operate their vehicles while texting or talking on their cell phones. Other types of distractions that cause drivers to take their eyes off the road include adjusting music systems, checking their GPS, talking to passengers, eating and simply not paying attention to their driving. In Buffalo and throughout the state of NY, you could be ticketed for distracted driving, pay a fine and have points put on your driver’s license.

Distracted Driving Statistics

The Centers for Disease Control’s website provides the following information about distracted driving:

• In 2010, there were 3092 deaths attributed to a distracted driver; in 2015, there were 3477
• Divers under 20 represent the biggest proportion of distracted driving fatalities
• Texting while operating a vehicle is the most dangerous form of distracted driving. Research shows that drivers reading or texting will take their eyes off the street for at least five seconds. In that time, they could drive the length of a football field (100 yards) if they drove 55 miles per hour

Breaking a Bad Habit

If you are a resident of Buffalo, NY, you can do your part to reduce the number of distracted driving accidents by not using your cell phone when you drive your car. Parents of teenagers should tell their kids not to text while driving and explain the consequences of being caught by police or causing a serious accident.

Unfortunately, many people continue to text and drive. If you are someone who has suffered serious injuries due to being hit by a distracted driver, a William Mattar Buffalo car accident lawyer may be able to obtain compensation. Contact our firm today to set up a consultation appointment regarding your case.