Urging Companies to Crack Down on Distracted Driving
Every day 8 people are killed and 1,161 are injured in car crashes involving distracted driving. Distracted driving is driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from the road, such as texting or talking on your cell phone.
In 2004, David Teater, of Spring Lake Michigan, lost his 12-year-old son to a distracted driver car accident. After his tragic loss he devoted himself to raising awareness about this issue and ultimately decided to focus his efforts on the business community. Teater’s idea is that large companies with thousands of employees can institute bans on using cell phones while driving. This is to effectuate change, because ideally the message trickles down into the employee’s private lives, effectively bringing large-scale awareness to the dangers of distracted driving and ultimately better safety habits on our roads.
Historically, it has been shown that starting at the company-level is a way to effectuate change. After employers began requiring employees to wear seat belt while driving on behalf of the company, employees complied to avoid disciplinary action. Researchers were able to collect data to show that people are significantly more likely to survive an auto accident when wearing a seat belt. The data was used to sway public opinion and ultimately to sway lawmakers into passing seat belt laws.
Over a decade ago both ExxonMobil and Shell Oil implemented total bans on employee use of cell phones while driving. By 2010, the nonprofit National Safety Council found that 20% of Fortune 500 companies had policies in place that banned handheld and hands-free cell phone use by employees driving on company business.
Teater’s efforts appear to be paying off. Lawmakers are addressing distracted driving, and currently 46 states and the District of Columbia ban texting while driving.
Florida law prohibits texting while driving. The ban includes texting, emailing, or instant messaging while operating a motor vehicle. Read our article Texting While Driving Causes Fatal Car Crashes to learn more about the dangers of distracted driving.
If you were involved in an auto accident in Florida that you suspect may have been the result of distracted driving, call our office today 866-767-4711 to schedule a free consultation.
Distracted drivers who cause accidents should be held responsible for their actions. The experienced personal injury attorneys of Draper Law Office are available to help answer your questions and begin the process of seeking justice in your car accident case.
Draper Law Office proudly serves clients throughout Central Florida, including Kissimmee, and Orlando, and Osceola County and Orange County, FL.
