There are many good reasons to be on the road in Maryland. The state is home to nearly every type of transportation. Some people even get to work on horseback. However, cars and trucks are still the leading way for Maryland residents to commute and run errands.
Technology Can Be a Distraction
Most drivers are safe and studious in keeping the roads safe. However, the advent of new technologies that continuously improve cellphones and other electronics has caused a crisis in driving safety. Beyond simply making calls, many drivers feel pressure to use cellphones for texting and navigation. This can impair their vision and cognition.
One report shows that Baltimore suffered 25 fatal car crashes resulting in more than 40 deaths during a recent year. Most of these accidents involved distracted driving, substance abuse and/or excessive speed. The same report estimates that traffic accidents will be the seventh largest cause of death in Baltimore by 2030.
Types of Distracted Driving
Drivers should be concerned with several types of distracted driving. Visual distractions take drivers’ eyes off the road. Manual distractions prevent drivers from handling the steering wheel properly. Cognitive distractions take the driver’s mind from the present moment on the road. All three may be caused by a cellphone.
Hiring an Attorney
The laws that punish distracted drivers and increase penalties for driving violations involving electronic devices can help make our roads safer.
If a person is injured in a distracted-driving or drunk-driving accident, they may have a case for civil damages against the driver at fault. An experienced Bethesda personal injury attorney can help assemble and file a civil lawsuit for these damages.
Source: Baltimore Post-Examiner, “Baltimore: Distracted driving, alcohol or substance abuse and speeding cause most of car crashes,” Cynthia Madison, April 05, 2018