Risk Institute presents new research on distracted driving

According to the National Safety Council, distracted driving crashes kill 9 people and injure 100 every day in the U.S. These crashes usually involve the use of phones and dangerous in-vehicle technology like dashboard touchscreens and voice command features. New Jersey residents probably know what an epidemic distracted driving has turned into.

In response to this, the NSC designated every April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. To coincide with its observance in 2019, the Risk Institute at The Ohio State University presented the results of some studies it has conducted. The institute is also leading a nationwide initiative with government entities, companies and researchers to reduce distracted driving crashes.

One of the studies explored the ways that drivers could be encouraged to develop good habits. These ways include the giving of insurance discounts. Researchers found that the more confident drivers are, the more likely they are to act in a distracted or unsafe manner on the road.

Another study analyzed the records of 1.4 million crashes that occurred between 2013 and 2017 in Ohio. The institute discovered that urbanized areas experience more distracted driving crashes than rural; the length of a road, its location and the number of its lanes all affect the crash rate. The rate goes down on roads that have a median or a shoulder with asphalt pavement.

Distracted drivers will be to blame for any car crashes they cause. Those who are injured may be able to recover damages to reimburse them for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other losses. This is where a personal injury attorney may come in, evaluate the case and determine how much victims are eligible for. If the other side is willing, the attorney may begin negotiations for a settlement out of court.

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