If you have ever driven down the road in Ohio and noticed how many other motorists are using phones, eating, or otherwise multitasking while at the vehicle controls, you may have some idea about the severity of the state’s distracted driving problem. At Klein & Carney Co., LLC, we have seen firsthand the devastation that can result when drivers fail to follow the rules of the road, and we have helped many people who suffered injury or hardship because of distracted drivers pursue appropriate recourse.
Per News 5 Cleveland, Ohio’s distracted driving problem shows no sign of a slowdown. In fact, distracted driving-related incidents have increased about 14 percent in the state since 2010, with distracted driving numbers rising nationally, as well. Nowadays, about one on every 10 fatal traffic accidents nationwide involves at least one distracted driver.
While using cellphones and sending text messages receive much of the blame, other behaviors, too, are contributing to the problem across Ohio and the nation. Any action that diverts your cognitive, visual or manual attention away from the immediate task at hand constitutes distracted driving, so in addition to using the phone, applying makeup, disciplining children in the backseat and rummaging through your purse or wallet all make the cut.
You may have also seen the consequences for Ohio’s distracted driving problem in your auto insurance bill. In Cleveland, for example, insurance rates are climbing about $269 a year because of distracted driving, regardless of a driver’s personal record. Mote about car accidents is available on our web page.
