Multiple news agencies have reported that a recent accident has brought the media attention to a serious issue that has turned into a national epidemic: distracted driving.
In spite of the enactment of cell phone bans in several states, drivers continue to text and drive, oblivious of the dangers associated with the behavior. Some know about the dangers but choose to continue to text and drive or hold their phone while talking and driving.
According to the news, a 22-year-old student of the University of Northern Colorado was driving through a small town when he suddenly allowed his vehicle to veer onto the wrong side of the road. According to witnesses, the driver was seen with his head down while behind the wheel just before his vehicle veered off its lane. As soon as the driver noticed what had happened, he turned the steering wheel promptly, while attempting to bring the vehicle back into the right lane, which made the driver lose control of the car. The vehicle ended up rolling off the road and flipping a few times before it finally came to a stop.
The driver suffered major injuries and was quickly taken to the hospital. According to official reports and other articles, the 22-year-old was declared dead later as a result of the wounds he sustained. The authorities found the phone in the wreck. Officers noticed the phone had an unfinished text that had never been sent, which may have been the main reason for the driver’s inattention, which is what ultimately led to the fatal accident.
The victim’s mother has urged drivers across the country to learn from this tragic accident and her son’s mistakes and avoid similar occurrences by putting their phones down as soon as they get behind the wheel.
Distracted driving victims who survive accidents and talk about the dangers associated with the practice and the relatives of those who do not survive encourage drivers to remember that even a second can change their lives forever.
Having your head down even if just for a period of two seconds can increase the risk of accidents since you’re not aware of what is going on around you.
In California, a cell phone ban has been enacted in 2010. Drivers are prohibited from texting and driving as well as talking over the phone while holding the device.
To learn more about this tragic accident and what safety advocates are urging drivers to do, follow this link.
