How Dangerous is Distracted Driving?

We all know that distracted driving is dangerous – the CDC reports that every day over 1,000 crashes involve a distracted driver. Smartphones are the most obvious culprit, but anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road or your hands off the wheel can be considered distracted driving. When you consider all the different ways you can become distracted, it’s no wonder that states across the country are looking for ways to aggressively curb distracted driving. But how does distracted driving compare to other causes of motor vehicle accidents?

At Slappey & Sadd, we study these trends so that we can better help our clients and understand the challenges they face. If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, call us at 404-255-6677 or send us an email to schedule a free consultation.

Distracted Driving Statistics in Georgia

The NHTSA reports that over 3,100 people were killed by distracted driving in 2017, accounting for 9% of all fatal accidents. While Georgia’s most recent statistics go back only to 2015, it does appear that distracted driving in Georgia is not as severe a problem as nationwide:

2010 – distracted driving accounted for 10.4% of all fatal car accidents
2011 – distracted driving accounted for 3.6% of all fatal car accidents
2012 – distracted driving accounted for 2.7% of all fatal car accidents
2013 – distracted driving accounted for 3.1% of all fatal car accidents
2014 – distracted driving accounted for 3.1% of all fatal car accidents
2015 – distracted driving accounted for 3.5% of all fatal car accidents

Georgia’s law banning texting while driving became effective in July of 2010, which likely accounts for the precipitous decline in fatalities involving distracted driving. As you can see, the numbers reached a low in 2012, but have since increased slightly.

Statistics Regarding Speeding-Related Crashes in Georgia

Meanwhile, the statistics regarding speed-related fatalities in the state of Georgia are even more startling. Since 2004, speeding has been a factor in anywhere from 15% of fatal crashes in 2012 to as high as 24% in 2006. While the statistics haven’t been finalized for 2017 and 2018, speeding accounts for 17% and 20% respectively for all fatal car accidents.

Statistics Regarding Alcohol-Related Crashes in Georgia

Despite continued efforts to reduce drinking and driving, alcohol remains a major factor in fatal car accidents. The NHTSA estimates that there was an alcohol-related traffic fatality every 48 minutes in the year 2017. While Georgia remains below the national average, alcohol was a factor in 24% of all fatal accidents in 2016.

What These Statistics Tell Us

Distracted driving is getting a lot of attention these days, both from the media and legislators. However, all of the attention given to distracted driving may be overshadowing these more common factors, particularly speeding. While it is believed that distracted driving is widely underreported, it’s important to recognize that speeding and alcohol to be responsible for a shockingly high number of fatal car accidents.

Contact Slappey & Sadd – Atlanta, Georgia Car Accident Attorneys

Regardless of statistics, distracted driving, speeding, and driving while impaired are all forms of negligent driving that can cause serious car accidents. If you’ve been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, the car accident attorneys at Slappey & Sadd can hold them accountable. We help people in the Atlanta area and across the state of George get the compensation they deserve. Contact us at 404-255-6677 to schedule a free consultation and discuss how we can help you.