Researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center have identified a startling increase in the number of pedestrians and cyclists who were struck and killed by distracted drivers on roadways across the U.S. The study looked at pedestrian and cyclist deaths caused by distracted drivers between 2005 and 2010 and found that pedestrian deaths increased from 344 to 500, close to a 50 percent increase. For cyclists, deaths increased almost 30 percent, from 56 in 2005 to 73 in 2010.
Distracted driving is described as any action that takes a driver’s attention away from the task of operating a motor vehicle, and can include anything from texting while driving to eating behind the wheel to conversing with other passengers in the car. In particular, texting while driving has come under significant scrutiny in recent years, as some studies have shown that this act can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, or if you lost a loved one to this dangerous behavior, it is essential that the responsible party is held accountable for the devastating effects of their negligence. To take action against a distracted driver in Austin, contact the legal team at the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C., today by calling (512) 710-0931 and let us put our considerable experience to work for you.